‘Alerts on JPJ patrols in Kedah available for a fee’

ALOR SETAR: There may not be a protection racket for lorry drivers in Kedah but they still have their ways to escape the law in the state.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a transporter has revealed that it was possible to get weekly tips on Road Transport Department (JPJ) roadblocks and patrolling routes in the state by paying a “fee” of RM1,000.

He said a “person in charge” would alert them of the routes of JPJ patrols for the week, which would then be avoided by lorry drivers.

He refused to reveal who or what position the person in charge held.

“We never pay more than RM1,000 here, not like in Penang,” he said.

Last month in Penang, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) picked up 79 people – 68 JPJ officers and personnel, two former Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) officers and nine civilians – after cracking an alleged protection racket for lorries.

MACC investigations revealed that some transport companies in Penang had been paying RM10,000 and RM32,000 a month to allow their lorries to escape being caught for offences on the road.

On Tuesday, MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki said graft busters were preparing over 70 investigation papers on the Penang case and some of the JPJ officers being investigated were expected to be taken to court before Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

However, the transporter in Kedah admitted that the tip-off was not always 100% accurate.

“Sometimes, we still get surprised by JPJ patrol cars. Then, we try to negotiate with the officers,” he said.

He revealed that in Kedah such negotiations were not possible in surprise JPJ roadblocks.

“If there is a roadblock that we are not alerted of, it means someone high up is supervising it. Then, we got no chance to negotiate.

“All lorries from Perlis and Kedah have to pass by Seberang Prai, so Penang is hot.

“The heavier traffic creates opportunities for bad officers to take bribes.”