THE demand from unscrupulous lorry operators who overload their vehicles to get maximum returns has led to the mushrooming of Tontos, who rake in more than RM1mil every month. With such a lucrative trade, the Tontos have resorted to hiring thugs to “protect their interests” by intimidating enforcement officers.
And, sources said, in the face of rising costs and competition and the seeming inability of the law to stop the Tontos, operators of other businesses are also beginning to use their services to cut operating costs.