KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman has declared that non-police escort riders who divert or halt traffic are committing illegal acts.
Federal traffic police chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Mohd Fuad Abdul Latiff said that only police personnel had the authority to divert, direct or halt traffic when necessary.
“It has come to our attention that several agencies have escort riders who follow their VIPs around.
“What they are doing is not illegal unless they stop or divert traffic,” he told reporters at Bukit Aman yesterday.
It has been observed that the KL mayor and the Armed Forces chief have non-police escort riders to accompany their entourage.
“I have already written to those involved to stop what they are doing.
“In turn, they wish to meet us to discuss the matter,” he said, adding that he had already informed traffic police officers in the Klang Valley on action that could be taken against escort riders who overstepped their boundaries.
He said it was against the law for motorists to ignore any orders given by a police escort rider as the authorisation falls under the Police Act.
SAC Mohd Fuad said the non-police escort riders, however, did not have such authority and could face legal action if they caused an accident or injury.
“We do have police personnel to escort VIPs when necessary,” he said, adding that he would meet with those involved to clarify the matter and explain to them the legalities involved.
