Don't take law into your own hands, says Deputy IGP after police vehicle stopped, searched

PETALING JAYA: Police are investigating an incident where a Mobile Patrol Vehicle (MPV) was stopped and inspected by members of a political party on polling day for the Rantau by-election on Saturday (April 13), says Comm Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador.

The acting Deputy Inspector-General of Police said preventing civil servants from performing their duties is a serious offence under Section 186 of the Penal Code.

“Those arrested can face up to two years' imprisonment or a fine of up to RM10,000 or both upon conviction.

“Such an act is also an offence under Section 341 of the Penal Code, which carries a sentence of up to a month jail or RM1,000 fine, or both upon conviction,” he said in a statement Sunday (April 14).

“Don’t take matters in your own hands. The police personnel were performing their official duties, which is to safeguard the safety of all.

“If anyone has any information on any criminal incident, please report to the police,” he said.

In SEREMBAN, acting state police chief Datuk Mohamad Mat Yusop said police have detained two of the five men identified for stopping and inspecting the MPV.

“They were detained at about noon at separate locations.

“The first suspect is a 52-year-old car salesman, while another is a 36-year-old lorry driver,” he said.

He added police are still looking for three others, believed to be involved in the incident.

Commenting on Saturday’s incident, he said it occurred at about 6pm, in front of SJKC Chung Hua.

“The MPV was there to facilitate traffic in the area and did not enter the school in the first place,” he said.

He said the five men, who suspected the police unit of carrying ballot boxes, had no right to stop and inspect a police vehicle.

“At the same time, my men should not have allowed it to happen, but they did so, as they do not want to cause a commotion.

“When the car boot was opened, only a medical case and security equipment were there,” he said.

The video of the incident has recently gone viral, with many online comments calling for stern action against the culprits.- Star