BUTTERWORTH: The investigation paper (IP) has been completed in the case of five Penang mobile patrol vehicle (MPV) unit personnel detained over a RM4,500 extortion case involving a factory worker in Permatang Tinggi, Bukit Mertajam.
Penang police chief Comm Datuk Khaw Kok Chin said the IP involving the five, aged 24 to 48, had been sent to the Bukit Aman Legal Division for further action on Wednesday (Feb 7).
"(After the division returns the IP) we will submit it to the Penang prosecution director and await further instructions.
"All five personnel are currently remanded until Friday (Feb 9). As to whether or not they will all be charged, we will wait for further instructions from the state prosecution director," he told reporters here after the state-level launch of Ops Selamat 21/2024 in conjunction with Chinese New Year.
Comm Khaw said all five were from the Central Seberang Prai district headquarters and the case was being investigated under Section 384 of the Penal Code.
He said 90 policemen in Penang who had been on duty in the MPV and motorcycle patrol units for more than six years would soon be transferred to other divisions and units in the state contingent.
In the incident at 10.15pm on Feb 1, a motorist claimed to have been stopped by two police MPVs on the side of the road before three personnel checked him.
During the inspection, one of the policemen found a plastic bag containing powder suspected to be drugs in the man’s car, and when the latter denied it was his, he was told he could be severely punished for the crime.
The 27-year-old man claimed that another MPV with two policemen inside then arrived before he was directed to pay RM10,000 to avoid arrest.
After discussions, he alleged that a sum of RM4,500 was agreed upon.
Meanwhile, Comm Khaw said police presence and monitoring was being stepped up in areas prone to traffic congestion and accidents to ensure smooth flow during the upcoming holidays.
"A total of seven locations known for frequent accidents have been identified, namely Jalan Teluk Air Tawar-Jalan Bagan Luar, Jalan Perusahaan Perai-Jalan Kulim, Jalan Besar Simpang Ampat, Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway-Jalan Air Itam, Jalan Air Itam-Paya Terubong, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, and Jalan Tun Dr Awang," he said. – Bernama
