118-8-2023 (SINGAPORE) Singaporeans and visitors to Johor are being advised to carry their passports at all times following reports of alleged corruption within the Johor police force. A recent incident involving a Singaporean woman, identified as Marissa, has shed light on the issue.
Marissa shared her harrowing experience on social media, recounting how she and her friend were randomly pulled over by local police officers while driving in Johor. The officers requested to see their passports, but Marissa did not have hers on hand. This led to the police claiming that she had violated Malaysian law and could face a ban from entering the country for the next five years.
Instead of following proper protocols, the police officers allegedly offered Marissa and her friend an alternative: a cash payment, commonly referred to as ‘kopi money’ or a bribe, amounting to RM10,000 (equivalent to S$2,926.27). Marissa, lacking sufficient cash, proposed going to a nearby bank to withdraw the money. However, the officers refused and demanded an immediate payment.
Feeling tired and overwhelmed by the situation, Marissa and her friend eventually handed over approximately RM500 (S$146) to the officers as a form of “tuition fees” for their supposed lesson on Malaysian law. In hindsight, Marissa realized that the amount may have been excessive.
After sharing her experience, Marissa’s Malaysian friends advised her on how to handle similar situations in the future. They suggested remaining calm, asserting that one does not possess any cash, claiming to be a student, explaining the need to visit a bank, or even fabricating urgent family matters. Carrying a passport at all times, even for short distances, was also strongly recommended.
It is important to note that although Singapore’s Singpass account contains personal details and a digital copy of the NRIC (National Registration Identity Card), Malaysian authorities allegedly do not recognize it as a valid form of identification.
Marissa clarified that her intention was not to tarnish the reputation of Malaysia, which she described as beautiful and enjoyable. Instead, she shared her experience as a cautionary tale to help other tourists avoid falling victim to similar blackmail attempts.
