Overwhelming response to traffic summonses discount offered by police

Lorry driver M. Tamilarasan, 50, who drove all the way from Kuala Lumpur to settle his five summonses, said it was a worthwhile trip.

BALIK PULAU: People thronged a hypermarket in Bayan Baru near here but they were there not to shop for groceries.

Instead, they were there to settle their traffic summonses - at a discounted rate.

Many were spotted there since the wee hours of Friday (Sept 27), taking advantage of the 50% discount, offered by the Southwest district police over two days to mark its meet-the-people programme.

M. Naresh from Bagan Serai, Perak, who had 19 outstanding summonses, was all smiles after leaving the payment counter.

"It was my fault. I overlooked and was barred from renewing my road tax due to the outstanding summonses.

"I had to fork out RM1,600 for the 19 summonses, some dating back to 2003.

"Without the discount, I would need to fork out a lot more," he said.

Lorry driver M. Tamilarasan, 50, who drove all the way from Kuala Lumpur to settle his five summonses, said it was a worthwhile trip.

"I paid RM1,500, which is reasonable. The costs spent on my travel and food are negligible compared to the savings from the discount," he said.

A businessman, who wished to be known only as Tang, said he had 15 summonses from 2010.

"I often travel from Penang to Johor on business trips. I try my best to adhere to the speed limit but sometimes exceeded a little," he said sheepishly.

Balik Pulau OCPD Supt A. Anbalagan said the initiative provided an opportunity to meet the people.

"There is also an exhibition on crime and narcotics to enable the people to get more information.

"We decided to offer a discount to encourage the people to pay up their summonses," he said.

As of 3.30pm on Friday, motorists settled a total of 1,955 summonses, amounting to RM225,450.

The 50% discount is, however, not applicable for accident cases; those issued during Ops Selamat 2018 and 2019; cases being heard in court; those with court status (code M); non-compoundable status and lorry-related. - Star