IPOH, Oct 17 — A family travelling through the Menora Tunnel was allegedly trailed and extorted in the early hours of Wednesday, with footage of the incident widely circulated on social media.
Perak deputy police chief Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Azlin Sadari said a preliminary investigation revealed that the incident began when the victim’s car overtook a lorry near the tunnel along the North-South Expressway heading south.
“The victim, who was driving, aged 60, told police that his driving may have upset the suspects, who trailed him from the tunnel to the Tapah rest and recreation (R&R) area.
“The suspects had allegedly instructed the victim to stop his car at the Tapah R&R lorry parking area,” he told a press conference at the Perak Police Headquarters here.
In the six-minute, 40-second video that has gone viral on social media, a car is seen slowing down and blocking the path of the victim’s multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), while another sports utility vehicle (SUV) trails closely behind, urging the victim to stop.
One of the family members in the MPV could be heard yelling that they were being robbed.
Mohammad Azlin said the suspects — two men and two women — stopped the victim’s car near the Tapah R&R and demanded compensation, claiming their child had fallen inside their vehicle due to the victim’s driving.
“The victim then handed over RM180 in cash before leaving the scene,” he said.
He added that police discovered one of the suspect’s cars is registered under a woman with an address in Terengganu, while the other belongs to a company based in Johor.
“These details will assist in identifying and tracing the suspects,” he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 384 of the Penal Code for extortion.
He said a facial composite of one of the suspects has been prepared.
Mohammad Azlin also reminded road users to practise patience and understanding while driving, as mistakes can happen and are part of human nature.
“In cases that appear to involve road bullying, motorists should avoid confrontation and head directly to the nearest police station or go-to-safety-point (GTSP) at petrol stations, which are also found at R&R areas,” he added.
