Digital creators ‘Tread the Globe’, who are a British couple who explore the world in their van have confirmed that they have been “communicating with the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department of the Royal Malaysian Police” regarding their recent viral video in which a policeman asked them for a RM100 bribe for a speeding summons.
In a Facebook statement, Chris and Marianne said, “We have provided them with the unedited video footage, date, time and location of the incident. They have apologised and confirmed that they are investigating fully this incident and there is no outstanding speeding ticket. We will update you if we hear any more.” They added that the incident did not and would not affect their love for Malaysia.
What actually happened?
On 29 January, the British couple who were travelling in Malaysia posted a video of their van getting stopped by a traffic cop. The traffic cop stopped them for allegedly driving at 80 km/h in a 60 km/h speed zone and the couple were seen to be confused if they had done so.
The traffic policeman offered them the ‘option’ of paying on the spot for only RM100 instead of RM300 at the police station. The couple didn’t appear to know that it was a bribe, saying that “having the opportunity to pay a lower cash rate and not drive to the police station and get points was a great option.”
As reported by Malay Mail, three traffic policemen were arrested in connection to the incident. Perak police chief Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said that the three (aged between 37 and 42) from the state’s Traffic Enforcement Investigation Department were arrested to assist with investigations.
The case is being investigated under Section 384 of the Penal Code for extortion and Section 17 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 for giving or accepting gratification.
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Image credit: facebook.com/treadtheglobe/