'Monitor cops who man roadblocks also' advice
Published on: Sunday, September 25, 2016
Keningau: PKR Council of Elders Deputy Chairman Robert Linggi said police should also monitor their personnel, including those manning roadblocks, to erase any suspicion that they may be involved in collecting bribes from illegal immigrants, especially along the Sandakan-Tawau and Lahad Datu-Tawau highways.He said rumours are that these cops asked anywhere from RM50 to RM300 from illegal immigrants who failed to produce personal documents.His concern follows allegations of illegal Indonesian immigrants bribing their way to enter Tawau daily, an allegation by Indonesian media that was denied by police.
ADVERTISEMENT
"At a road block along the Sandakan-Tawau highway recently, they stopped buses and other vehicles, and inspected the passengers. "Apparently, there were those who did not have any documents but were not detained after they paid between RM50 to RM300," he claimed to have been told by some of these migrants.He said the best way to determine whether the allegations by the immigrants are true is to find out from them as they would be disinclined to lodge reports due to their status.Robert claimed to have witnessed one alleged incident at a road block along the Lahad Datu-Tawau highway.
ADVERTISEMENT
He said three individuals who failed to produce personal documents were allowed to continue their journey after some discussions with the cops. However, he did not state the time and date of the alleged incident.
ADVERTISEMENT
Other than the police, Robert said a team of Immigration Department enforcement officers had also set up a road block at other section along the highway but were not known to accept bribes.He urged the police force to take the matter seriously so that the image of the police would not be tarnished by the actions of a few.He also urged national and state leaders to show to the public that they are committed in weeding out corrupt practices at all levels in society particularly in the civil service. "Even though we have 4,000 members of security force to guard the state, can we guarantee that corrupt practices will not happen? Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
"This is our biggest enemy and the national and state leaders must take action to curb it," he said.Former Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Ramly Yussof stopped roadblock checks on the Sandakan-Tawau highway after similar allegations surfaced. However, the checks were reinstated in view of security concerns.