JOHOR, MALAYSIA — Johor Police apprehend two suspects for impersonating police officers and chasing a civilian vehicle on the North-South Highway near Kulai.
On Monday (5 June), Malaysian netizen Freeman Gan took to Facebook to share his close encounter with a potential threat from impersonating officers.
Gan was driving his friend to Genting Highlands when they noticed a car started following them near Kulai at around 5:40 am that morning. Whenever Freeman slowed down or accelerated, the car did the same.
“At around KM37, the car appeared next to me again, flashing blue lights.” At first, Gan thought it was the police and even intended to pull over, but he soon realized that the car had been following him, raising suspicion.
Hence, he made the decision not to stop the car and alerted his friend to be prepared as they might have encountered fake police officers. However, the “police car” continued to chase them persistently.
“During the race, I called 999, and the police officer asked for my location. They advised me not to stop and instructed me to head to the nearest police station if the car continued following me.”
Around KM71, Gan and his friend realized that the fake police car was no longer following them, so he decided to drop his friend off to have breakfast in a crowded area.
He offered advice to others who might encounter a similar situation where a non-police car signal them to stop. Gan warned the public to assess the circumstances and not stop abruptly.
“It is advisable to proceed to the nearest police station, if possible,” Gan added.
One of the suspects is a civil servant
In a statement on Tuesday (6 June) issued by CP Dato’ Kamarul Zaman bin Mamat, the Johor police chief, it was confirmed that a police team from the Criminal Investigation Department of Kulai District Police Headquarters successfully apprehended two Malaysians, aged approximately 43 and 48 years old, on Monday at 6 pm.
Dato’ Kamarul revealed that one of the suspects is a civil servant and has a previous criminal record related to drug offenses.
During the operation, the police conducted a seizure and confiscated various items, including a reflective vest, a portable beacon light, a Fenix E35 flashlight, headlights, and a Honda City car along with its keys.
Dato’ Kamarul stated that the case is being investigated under Section 170 of the Penal Code and Section 135 (1) of the Customs Act 1967.
Under Section 170 of the Penal Code, if found guilty, the maximum penalty is 2 years’ imprisonment or a fine, or both.
Regarding Section 135(1) of the Customs Act 1967, it stipulates a fine of not less than ten times the value of the goods or RM100,000 (approximately 2,173 USD), whichever is higher, and not exceeding twenty times the value of the goods or RM500,000, whichever is higher.
Alternatively, it includes imprisonment for a term not less than six months and not exceeding five years, or both.
Dato’ Kamarul urged the public to continue providing information on criminal activities and smuggling incidents in their surroundings and to assist the police in identifying any remaining suspects.
“The Johor Police will not compromise and will take action against any individuals who violate the law by engaging in criminal activities, smuggling, or impersonating police officers,” added Dato’ Kamarul in the statement.
