Move receives mixed reaction from Netizens, from outrage to praise

KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s decision to cancel the summonses issued under the Automated Enforcement System (AES) has sparked outrage among those who had dutifully paid them.

However, others gave the government a thumbs-up for restarting the system from a clean slate and taking over AES operations from concession companies ATES and Beta Tegap.

Netizens said the move would ensure private entities did not profit from law enforcement and that the money collected from traffic offenders would rightfully end up in government coffers.

A Netizen, who goes by the name “Prudent”, said: “AES is a daylight robbery system” as cameras on the expressway were set up at the bottom of slopes to catch drivers when their cars naturally accelerated down slopes.

“Also, there is no countdown warning at busy junctions when cars have to go slowly. Traffic lights can suddenly change when cars are in the middle of the junction with not enough space to get clear.

“AES should be suspended until cameras are repositioned away from the bottom of slopes and all traffic lights at junctions are fitted with countdown warnings.”

Tan Lean Sheng, who posted on NST Online’s Facebook page, praised the move.

“The (AES) contract stated that all fines will be paid to the private company instead of the government... Stupid contract which benefits cronies.”

Others said the government made a “terrible decision” as it was unfair to those who had paid the summonses and those who did not were being “rewarded”.

A Netizen by the name “Pro-justice” questioned the decision, saying the government had said there was no money to pay Goods and Services Tax refunds to businesses, yet could reward law breakers with the summons waiver. “What a stupid idea!”

Another user said the government should have given a 30 to 50 per cent discount for the summonses to be paid in installments instead of cancelling them.

“If you are following the rule of law, then offences cannot be erased just like that.

“It also makes those who have paid look stupid. All summonses must be enforced seriously and there should be no more discounts or exemptions in the future.”