Johor Regent wants justice for alleged assault on e-hailing driver

KUALA LUMPUR: In response to the alleged assault on an e-hailing vehicle driver by police security personnel, His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim emphasised zero tolerance for illegal actions or threats, urging authorities to conduct a thorough investigation on the matter.

“Referring to the incident that happened at the St Regis Hotel Kuala Lumpur on May 28, I was informed the following day, and I immediately urged the security escort team of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) to cooperate with the investigation,” the Johor Regent said in a statement today.

“I do not condone any illegal action or intimidation. I urge the authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident where a police officer escort is alleged to have committed a harmful act,” he added.

Tunku Ismail also hoped that the authorities would take action in accordance with the law and give justice to the victim.

His Majesty said that the act of associating external security personnel with himself and the entire Royal Institution was deemed inappropriate.

“I urge all quarters to allow the authorities to carry out the investigation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Director of the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department, Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, confirmed that the police had opened investigation papers after the 46-year-old victim had made a police report.

However, according to Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa in a statement last Wednesday, the individual, who is also a disabled person (OKU), made a second police report to withdraw the initial police report on the same day.

It was reported that the man had picked up four passengers at the hotel near KL Sentral before one of TMJ’s security escorts knocked on his car door, requesting to move the vehicle, and then assaulted him.

The driver sustained soft tissue injuries and was treated at Kuala Lumpur Hospital.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said this measure is taken to ensure a thorough investigation and that all parties involved can provide statements.

He emphasized that the priority in every investigation is to ensure that no perpetrator escapes responsibility for their actions.

“Strict action will be taken without compromise against any officer found guilty,” he said.

“The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is committed to preserving integrity and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken to uphold justice and protect the rights of affected individuals, especially the disabled (OKU),” he said in a statement on Friday.

He added that PDRM is conducting a thorough investigation into the case based on the latest developments obtained.

On Wednesday, the media reported that an e-hailing driver claimed to have been assaulted by a security escort of a dignitary in the lobby of a hotel in the capital on Tuesday.

The individual, who is also disabled (OKU), subsequently made a second police report to withdraw the first police report on the same day.

-Agency