8-4-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) A man resorted to feigning illness to evade an alleged extortion attempt by two police officers at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) complex in Johor Bahru (JB).
This unusual incident came to light during a press conference held at MCA’s Johor headquarters last Friday (Apr 5). The individual involved, a 29-year-old man identified only as Lim, recounted the events, stating that he was returning from work in Singapore on Apr 2.
Upon clearing security, Lim claimed he was approached by two plain-clothed men identifying themselves as police officers. They confiscated his phone and passport and directed him to follow them to a premise within BSI adorned with police emblems and tourism police logos, accessible only via an access card.
According to Lim, he was detained in a room for 30 minutes, during which one officer informed him of serious trouble, threatening to detain him overnight and arraign him in court the following day. Despite Lim’s inquiries about the alleged offenses, the officers remained silent.
Subsequently, one of the officers purportedly demanded RM2,000 for Lim’s release. However, unable to produce the amount from his bank accounts, Lim was escorted to nearby ATMs by motorcycle. Failing to withdraw the money, he was eventually able to retrieve it from a bank at Taman Pelangi.
During the return journey to BSI, Lim feigned an asthma attack at a bus station, prompting a passing couple to offer assistance. Taking advantage of the distraction, Lim’s belongings were accidentally dropped as the officers hurriedly departed. Lim seized the opportunity to abstain from paying the purported bribe and reported the incident to the authorities.
Following the revelation, MCA Johor youth chief Heng Zhi Li urged authorities to investigate Lim’s claims, emphasizing their gravity in potentially tarnishing Malaysia’s reputation.
Subsequently, it was reported that the two policemen, aged 32 and 33, were arrested and will be remanded until tomorrow (Apr 9) to facilitate ongoing investigations, according to Johor Baru South district police chief Raub Selamat. This extension follows their initial arrest on Apr 5.
