Dashcam to the rescue: Scammers’ hopes of a quick buck dashed

PETALING JAYA: A woman driver crashes into a group of mat lajak cyclists, and another driver is shocked when a pedestrian throws himself onto his car windscreen, smashing it.

The woman has been jailed but the driver of the other car managed to escape from a potential scam.

The reason – the second driver had a dashcam.

Dashcams have suddenly become a hot topic again as the debate continues over whether the woman deserves to be jailed or not. A video of the windscreen smashing scam has also gone viral.

ALSO READ: No problems with dashcams as long as safety concerns met, says Transport Ministry

Car salespersons and auto accessory dealers have confirmed the increasing demand for dashcams, adding that customers choose to install them for safety reasons.

Salesman Foong Wen Sian said that in recent years, 60% to 70% of customers have chosen to install dashcams when buying their cars. “Customers ask if our vehicles are equipped with a dashcam and also request for it to be installed,” he said.

Foong said dashcams are important especially when accidents or thefts occur in areas without CCTVs.

“With dashcams, the recording can be used as evidence so police can take action,” he said.

Another car salesman, Annison Francis, said dashcams are important for women to defend themselves in cases of unwanted incidents on the road.

Dashcam salesperson Willie Cheng said there was a 30% increase for the product in the past year.

“More motorists are now educated about its importance,” said Cheng.

ALSO READ: Dashcam okay if it does not affect vehicle’s safety

Businessman Jason Wong, 70, said he was planning to install a dashcam for both the front and rear sides of his car.

“There are many drivers with bad driving habits nowadays so having a dashcam gives me evidence in case of any accident,” he said, adding that it could also avoid potential arguments.

Fitness instructor Wayne Wong Zhi Herng, 30, said the recent ruling in the mat lajak case – which saw clerk Sam Ke Ting jailed for six years – prompted him to install a dashcam.

“We can never be too sure of what can happen on the road so a dashcam comes in handy in case of any misunderstanding,” he said.

Casey, 29, an accountant, said he installed a dashcam due to concerns about scams and road rage.

“I fear cases where people intentionally get hit by vehicles and then claim compensation.

“Having a dashcam will give us evidence to better explain the situation to the authorities,” he said.

A dashcam video has gone viral showing a man throwing himself onto an oncoming vehicle, leaving the windscreen smashed.

A group of people then suddenly appeared and seemed to surround the driver.

When driver told them to wait for police as he had dashcam footage, the group, including the “accident victim” quickly dispersed.