Police in Johor Baru are planning to speak with a Singaporean couple who have accused officers at the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine Complex (CIQ) Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) of extorting RM500 from them.
Johor police chief Comm M. Kumar stated that a Facebook user known as “Irene Teo” has claimed they were asked to pay SD$142 (RM500) to two traffic policemen to avoid receiving a summons.
The summons in question was issued for the couple’s violation of entering the lorry lane at checkpoint 8A from Johor Baru to Singapore on Sunday, March 10, at 8.15pm.
“To date, the police have not received any reports from the victims regarding the incident,” Comm Kumar added.
He also mentioned, “We have formally reached out to the Singapore Consulate-General’s office in Johor Baru to assist in identifying the Facebook users ‘Sage’ and ‘Irene Teo’ to aid in the investigation.”
The case is currently under investigation under Section 384 of the Penal Code for extortion, which carries penalties of up to 10 years in prison, fines, whipping, or a combination of two punishments.
Comm Kumar emphasized that the Johor police force is committed to combating integrity and criminal misconduct issues among officials to enhance public trust in the Royal Malaysia Police.
“Any officer suspected of engaging in criminal activities will face severe consequences without exceptions, in line with the principle of legal equality outlined in Article 8(1) of the Federal Constitution,” he stated.
Individuals with information on the incident are urged to contact the Johor Baru South Hotline at 07-218 2323.
On Tuesday, March 12, a Facebook user named Irene Teo claimed that policemen in Johor Baru extorted RM500 from herself and her boyfriend.
Another Facebook user going by the name “Sage” subsequently uploaded two videos showcasing their encounter and the alleged tactics used by the police to extort money from victims.
Both posts were shared over 600 and 800 times, respectively, on the “MY SG Road Trip—Your Malaysia Road Trip Guide” Facebook group.
