GEORGE TOWN: The two traffic policemen, who were captured on video acting as outriders for the son of a VIP, have been transferred to the administrative department until the investigation against them is completed.
Penang police chief Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said investigations showed that the duo had acted on their own accord without any instructions from the higher-ups.
"I just want to make it clear that (in this particular case) there were no instructions whatsoever from any senior officers for the duo to escort the public vehicle. I hope this issue will not be turned into a polemic.
"We have opened a disciplinary investigation paper against the two traffic policemen.
"For now, they have been transferred to the administrative department until the investigation is completed," he told reporters at the state police contingent headquarters here today.
Mohd Shuhaily said there are clear procedures on carrying out traffic control duties. He said the Bukit Aman Traffic and Public Order Department had also issued clear instructions on the matter.
"Unfortunately, it still happened. So, the Integrity and Standards Compliance Department and I will investigate the case from a disciplinary aspect," he added.
A 20-second video footage of the incident has gone viral after it was uploaded on social media on Saturday.
The footage showed a car, said to be driven by the son of a member of parliament, being escorted by two traffic cops using police motorcycles along Jalan Bukit Gambir.
The footage has since earned the wrath of netizens, who had questioned why police resources were being used for a member of the public.
Mohd Shuhaily said police have contacted the driver of the car, who is a man in his mid-20s, to assist the investigation.
"We understand that the driver will come forward to give his statement. He has also agreed to extend his fullest cooperation," he said.
Mohd Shuhaily said police would also investigate the matter under Section 233 of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1998.
"We want to see if there are any elements to tarnish the image of the police force," he added.