13-3-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) A Singaporean woman’s harrowing account of alleged extortion by Malaysian police officers at the Johor Bahru checkpoint has ignited a furious backlash, reigniting concerns over corruption and abuse of power within the ranks of law enforcement. The incident, which unfolded as the woman was attempting to return to Singapore, has cast a shadow over the otherwise amicable cross-border relations between the two neighboring nations.
In a detailed Facebook post shared within the “MY SG Road Trip – Your Malaysia Road Trip Guide” group, Irene Teo recounted her unsettling experience. As she approached the immigration customs in Johor Bahru, Teo found herself unexpectedly directed by Malaysian police officers to drive her vehicle onto a deserted side road adjacent to the customs area.
Teo’s apprehension grew as she realized that only two cars, including her own, had been ushered into the secluded location. It was then, she alleges, that the officers’ true intentions became apparent.
According to Teo’s account, one of the officers demanded her driving license and passport, claiming that he would “help” her return to the designated car lane leading to immigration. However, the officer then proceeded to accuse her of driving in an unauthorized lane and demanded a staggering RM600 as a “fine.”
Feeling increasingly unsafe and outnumbered, Teo requested to pay the purported fine at a police station, but her pleas fell on deaf ears. The officer allegedly warned her that failing to comply would result in her personal details being recorded, a prospect he deemed “not good” for her.
Left with little choice and fearing potential repercussions, Teo reluctantly handed over RM500 – the only cash she had on hand – to the officer. It was only after receiving the payment that the officer escorted her back to the car lane leading to immigration.
Outraged by the alleged extortion, Teo took her case to higher authorities, reaching out to Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi via email in hopes of intervention. She also sought assistance from the son of the Yang di-Pertua Agong (YDPA), Sultan Ibrahim, through Instagram.
While Teo expressed her intention to return to Johor Bahru in the future, she vowed to install a dashboard camera in her vehicle and avoid returning to Singapore on Sunday nights to mitigate the risk of similar incidents.
This disturbing allegation has reignited a fervent public discourse on corruption within Malaysia’s law enforcement ranks, with previous incidents involving foreign travelers garnering significant attention. The alleged extortion of a British couple by a Malaysian traffic officer have fueled concerns over the integrity of those entrusted with upholding the law.
