Where traffic cops are known as ‘ambush drivers’

Sarawak traffic police pose a threat to road safety, says an opposition assemblyman.

KUCHING: There’s a nickname for the Sarawak’s traffic police, according to Piasau assemblyman Ling Sie Kiong. They’re called ‘ambush drivers’.

Ling said Sarawak’s increasingly cynical public had begun to describe these cops as such because of the manner in which they carry out their job.

He said ‘ambush drivers’ lurk at dangerous corners of the road and wait for an “opportunity” to pounce on motorists and invite corrupt practices that tarnish the image of the police.

Ling said such actions indirectly affect the reputation of the police and the government.

“There are many complaints about traffic police ambushing drivers at dangerous corners of the roads which has caused panic in some people, especially P-license drivers.

“Is such a practice (ambush) really necessary and is the practice safe, especially when such surprise checks at blind corners might cause accidents due to confusion and negative reactions of some drivers?” he asked.

Ling said road blocks were still an issue in the state.

“I was made to understand that an ‘ambush’ is not considered a road block, but rather a spot check where no barrier is required to be placed as a safety measure.

“The traffic police may have the power to set up road blocks, which is useful in checking crimes like car thefts, but it must be used wisely and safely.

“It should not cause too much disruption to traffic flow,” he said, pointing out that according to Section 78 of the Road Transport Act 1987, a barrier must be placed as a reasonable measure to stop vehicles.

Combating corruption

Ling suggested that the service of the traffic police could be better used for directing traffic during peak hours and when there is a breakdown in traffic lights.

Ling called on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to consider monitoring those traffic policemen who stand under the tree and issue summons.

He reminded MACC that combating corruption has to start from the top, not from the bottom, as in the motto “leadership by example” which is far more effective in convincing subordinates and followers to go clean.

The public perception now is that the “big fish” is protected from investigation, while only “ikan bilis” were being caught just to show results.

Such half-hearted efforts lack credibility and is not likely to succeed, he said during the debate on the state 2012 budget.