Does the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) ban free speech in Malaysia?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!
Updated @ 2024-04-02 : Updated after claim went viral again Originally posted @ 2023-07-03
Claim : News Sharing Banned By POTA / Prevention of Terrorism Act
This warning about the Prevention of Terrorism Act / POTA keeps going viral in WhatsApp, and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Here is the original warning in Malay, and our English translation in bold):
No more sharing of news posting after this.
” AKTA POTA YANG TELAH DILULUSKAN MALAM TADI DI PARLIMEN…
THE POTA ACT WAS APPROVED LAST NIGHT IN PARLIAMENT…
Akta Pencegahan Keganasan (POTA) 2015 yang telah diluluskan Dewan Rakyat boleh dikenakan kpd PENGHASUT PEMBENCI KERAJAAN dilaman2 sosial spti Whatsapp, FB, Tweeter, Blog, dsb. Polis akan menahan mana-mana penyebar Fitnah Kepada Pemimpin Negara termasuk yg mengubahuai gambar pemimpin negara bagi mewujud dan menanam kebencian di kalangan rakyat! Tahanan POTA minima selama 2 tahun. Tidak boleh dicabar di semua Mahkamah. Pusat Tahanan di sebuah Pulau berkeluasan 1000 Ekar di Utara Sabah telah bersedia menanti penghuninya selepas OPS POTA 2015 dilancarkan tidak lama lagi.
The Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) 2015 which has been approved by the Dewan Rakyat can be applied to inciters who hate the GOVERNMENT on social media such as Whatsapp, FB, Tweeter, Blog, etc.The police will arrest any person who spreads defamation against national leaders, including those who alter the image of national leaders to create and instill hatred among the people!Minimum POTA detention for 2 years.Cannot be challenged in all Courts.The Detention Center on a 1000 Acre Island in the North of Sabah is ready to await its residents after the OPS POTA 2015 is launched soon.
Hati-hatilah ye…
Be careful…
Even if you just cut and paste, you can be charged for distribution and dissemination. So please take extreme careful.
Attention all Chat Groups ;
Please STOP immediately from circulating any sensitive issues.
Malaysian government has “Passed the Amendment” to the Sedition Act few days ago.
Please note that it’s an offence now to “propagate” any material that is deemed to be of “seditious tendency”. It’s heavier fine and jail term 20 years.
Be careful what you send in social media.Also note that intent is not necessary for sedition.
That means you can’t say you didn’t intend to spread or send the material to cause disharmony or cause anyone feelings to be hurt.
U may want to forward this msg to anyone who is unaware of this law.
Truth : News Sharing NOT Banned By POTA / Prevention of Terrorism Act!
This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp, and social media platforms, and here are the reasons why!
Fact #1 : Prevention of Terrorism Act Was Passed In 2015
First, I should point out that this is really old fake news that started in April 2015, and keeps recirculating every few years.
The Prevention of Terrorism Act / POTA 2015 (Akta Pencegahan Keganasan 2015) was passed by the Malaysian government on 7 April 2015, and coincided with the arrest of seventeen suspected militants who were allegedly involved in a terror plot in Kuala Lumpur.
Fact #2 : POTA 2015 Targets Terrorism, Not Politics
POTA 2015 is not meant to target any healthy discussion of politics or political issues in Malaysia. Rather, it’s meant to tackle the threat of terrorism in Malaysia:
To prevent the conduct or support for acts of violence involving terrorist organisation of a foreign country.
To ensure that individual involved in terrorist activities do not escape legislative action.
To ensure that Malaysia’s citizens and its security are not threatened by those involved in militant activities.
Fact #3 : POTA 2015 Does Not Ban Free Speech
POTA 2015 does not target people who share news on WhatsApp or social media, even if it’s of sensitive issues. It targets people who are engaged in acts of terrorism, not people who are spreading fake news or criticisms of the government.
Hence, POTA 2015 cannot be used to block people who from sharing this POTA 2015 fake news, which is why the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) had to ask people to stop sharing the fake news, instead of just locking them up!
Even then, people continue to share this fake news about POTA 2015 for the last 7 years on WhatsApp and social media…
Of course, if necessary, the police can use the long-existing Penal Code, and Sedition Act 1948 to prosecute people who share fake news, but that’s another story.
On June 11, 2015, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) publicly posted a long debunking of this viral POTA 2015 warning, calling it “fake news”. Here is the English translation:
PLEASE DON’T SHARE FAKE NEWS ABOUT POTA!!!
✅POTA or Prevention of Terrorism Act (Prevention of Terrorism Act) was not enacted to deal with the issue of incitement but the issue of terrorist activity which the issue of this activity has been enshrined in other substantive laws including Chapter VI and Chapter VIA in the Penal Code.
✅POTA also applies when these terrorist activities involve entities that have been listed in Sections 66B and 66C of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds from Illegal Activities (AMLATFAPUA) Act 2001.
The allegation that this POTA will be used to incite GOVERNMENT HATERS on social media or those who modify the image of national leaders to create and instill hatred among the people is absolutely FALSE. POTA is to deal with TERROR and NOT SEDIMENT.
POTA also cannot be used to detain someone just because of his political beliefs or activities. However, if the party/member/follower of a political party is involved in terrorist activities, then POTA is applicable.
✅The POTA Act prevents before the terrorist activities are carried out. Do you want to see KLCC & KLIA blown up by terrorists, before action is taken? Do you want your children to be involved in terrorist activities, then when the rice has become porridge, new actions are taken? This is because in cases of terrorism, the evidence obtained is in the form of intelligence and most of these evidences are difficult to bring to Court due to the refusal of witnesses to appear in Court to give evidence.
✅This Act is preventive in nature where the Minister’s executive power to impose punishment has been transferred to the Terrorism Prevention Board appointed by the Yang DiPertua Agong (YDPA). The members of the Board are made up of those who have at least 15 years of experience in the field of law.
✅The decision of this Board can be challenged by Judicial Review.
✅ Advocates are allowed to be present when evidence is taken by the Inquiry Officer (IO) appointed by YDPA and the IO must not be a PDRM member/officer.
✅POTA Detention Orders can be challenged, therefore the allegation that POTA Detention Orders cannot be challenged is completely untrue.
✅This Detention Order must also be taken to another Advisory Board as provided for in Article 151 of the Federal Constitution.
✅Considering that POTA is a preventive law, the detainees will undergo a Special Rehabilitation Module that has been designed to neutralize their understanding of extemism, which modules emphasize religious aspects (according to the detainee’s religion), moral and spiritual aspects as well as family relationship issues which family members prisoners are also involved in giving encouragement to the prisoners to successfully continue the neutralization process.
✅It should be remembered that this prevention law is a prevention and not a punitive law. The information about the detention center on a 1000 acre island in the north of Sabah is not true. This is not like the Alcatraz Prison in San Francisco Bay that held the notorious criminal Al-Capone. Instead, the detainees will be placed in a Special Detention Center.
POTA vs ISA
✅POTA or the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 is a preventive law enacted by the Government to deal with any individual or group that commits acts of violence.
✅ This act is not to punish but to detain as prevention and further restore through the Rehabilitation Program organized by the Ministry in collaboration with the police, prisons, Jakim and other Government agencies.
✅POTA is different from ISA because POTA will only be used against terrorists. Can’t be caught randomly.
✅ POTA cannot be equated with ISA. Among the most notable differences are:
▶ Detention Order for ISA is issued by the Minister of Home Affairs whereas POTA is issued by an independent Board whose members are appointed by His Majesty the Yang Di Pertuan Agong. So, for POTA, the minister has no power at all to issue orders or instructions.
▶Before an individual is subject to a Detention Order or Restriction Order, they need to go through a period of detention for police investigation or also called a remand prisoner. The total is 60 days for ISA and POTA. But it is different because the ISA gives full authority to the police to detain directly for 60 days before the Minister issues a Detention or Restriction Order. While POTA needs to be taken to the Magistrate’s Court for the extension of the remand period. So…very different….?
✅One more thing, if ISA, the subject cannot see the family while POTA can see the family or next of kin during the period of detention for police investigation or remand.
✅Finally, for ISA, after a 60-day remand by the police, the Minister will issue an order. As for POTA, it is not the Minister who issues the Order or ‘order’ but an independent Board. In fact, an inquiry officer will conduct an inquiry or investigation to make a ‘recommendation’ whether the subject is involved or not. It should be remembered that the Inquiry Officer cannot be appointed from among the police but they are made up of scheme L officers which is the Law. So it can be seen how transparent this POTA is and there is no issue why this POTA needs to be equated with ISA.
I call for you to spread this explanation instead of false information that can cause annoyance among the community.
DO NOT COPY IF YOU CAN’T PASTE.
DON’T BE POISON IF YOU CAN’T BE A CURE.
It should be noted that spreading false information that can cause public uproar on any social media platform is an offense and can be prosecuted under existing laws including the Sedition Act 1948 and the Penal Code.
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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is offering up to 50% discount for selected traffic offences for just 3 days!
Find out how you can get the 50% discount on your traffic offences from PDRM!
PDRM Offers 50% Discount On Traffic Offences For 3 Days!
On 6 December 2023, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) announced a special 50% discount for selected traffic offences for just 3 days!
From 8 December until 10 December 2023, motorists will be able to get a 50% discount for selected traffic summonses at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium:
Date : Friday, 8 December until Sunday, 10 December 2023
Location : Tent no. 2, Bukit Jalil National Stadium (behind the main stage)
PDRM 50% Traffic Summons Discount For December 2023
This special PDRM offer only applies to traffic summonses issued in 2022 and earlier. It does not apply to traffic offences committed in 2023, or active warrants for court trials. This limited 50% discount offer also does not apply to:
summons for traffic accidents
court cases which involve arrest warrants or ongoing trials
non-compoundable offences, like driving without a licence, careless driving, expired driving licence, uninsured vehicle, etc.
Motorists who want to take advantage of this discount programme are advised to check their outstanding traffic summonses through the PDRM MyBayar website and/or mobile app before heading over to the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Please note that you cannot get the discount by paying online. Unlike earlier online discount offers, this programme requires you to be physically present at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium between 8 to 10 December 2023.
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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Can a SIM swap attack empty your bank account without warning?! Take a look at the viral warnings, and find out what the facts really are!
Updated @ 2023-10-07 : Added new viral message, and other updates. Originally posted @ 2022-01-16
Claim : SIM Swap Attack Can Empty Bank Account Without Warning!
This message has gone viral on social media and WhatsApp, warning about a new high tech fraud called SIM Swap Fraud that can empty bank accounts without warning.
The message includes a link to a Straits Times report about a young couple who lost $120,000 in a fake text message scam targeting OCBC Bank customers.
Your BANK Account could be Emptied without an Alert!
Dear All, Please let’s be very careful.. There is a new HIGH TECH FRAUD in town called the SIM SWAP FRAUD, and hundreds of persons are already VICTIMS.
How does it work? 1 A new fraud called SIM SWAP has started. Your phone network will momentarily go blind / zero (No Signal / Zero Bars) and after a while a call will come through.
2 The Person on the other end of the call will tell you that he is calling from (your cell phone company) depending on your network and that there is a problem in your mobile network.
3 He will instruct you to Please press 1 on your phone to get the network back.
– Please at this stage don’t Press anything, Just cut or END the call.
If you press 1, the network will appear suddenly and almost immediately go blind again (Zero Bars) and by that action, your phone is #HACKED.
Within a second they will empty your bank account, and you won’t receive any alert.
What you will experience. It will appear as though your line is without Network, meanwhile your SIM has been SWAPPED. The danger here is that, you will not get any alert of any transactions, so please those of us doing USSD Banking and Mobile Banking BEWARE. Let’s be very careful.
Please, forward to your contacts, loved ones and friends. The fraud is increasing day by day.
Received from a #CybersecurityGroup
Don’t forget to share this post…… I repeat don’t forget to share this post. Many people’s Account as been emptied!
Please encourage more people to learn from this episode
My cousin received a call , asking if he had been vaccinated, if vaccinated to press 1.
If not vaccinated, press 2. As a result, he pressed 1, the phone was blocked and his online bank information/account were all transferred. Please be Alert and Careful and forward to more people to know about this new trick/scam. Forwarded as received.
Your BANK Account can be Empty without Notice.
There is a HIGH TECHNOLOGY SCAM going on at this time called SIM SWAP FRAUD, it is said that hundreds of people have been affected, they suddenly found that their bank accounts were EMPTY
Truth : SIM Swap Attack Is Real, But Don’t Work Like That
The truth is – SIM swap attacks are real and very dangerous, but they do not work like the viral messages claim.
Here is what you need to know about the viral message, and SIM swap attacks.
Fact #1 : SIM Swap Attacks Are Not New
SIM swap attacks are really not new. Scammers have been using SIM swap attacks since 2015, if not earlier.
Fact #2 : SIM Swap Warnings Are Mostly False
The viral message is correct about the risk of SIM swap attacks, but pretty much wrong about everything else.
In fact, the method by which the SIM swap attack works is completely made up. So the viral message is really FAKE NEWS.
There’s no way your bank account will be emptied without any action on your part. Neither will your bank accounts be emptied because you participate in a COVID-19 vaccination SMS survey.
Fact #3 : No Evidence Of Such Fraud
There is no evidence of SIM swap attacks requiring users to complete the process by responding to an SMS survey about vaccination.
Neither is there any evidence that SIM swap attacks alone can lead to your bank accounts being emptied.
Fact #4 : Straits Times Article Was Not About SIM Swap Attack
One of the viral messages include a link to a Straits Time article to mislead you. That’s because the article was about a phishing attack, not a SIM swap attack.
In that phishing attack, the victim received an SMS with a link that took him to a fake website that “looked exactly like the OCBC login page“. He then keyed in his bank login details, thus handing over control of his bank account to the scammers.
The victim also ignored automated messages warning him that his “account was being setup on another phone“. That had nothing to do with a SIM swap attack. It was an SMS-based phishing attack.
Fact #5 : SIM Swap Attacks Generally Do Not Require Any Action
In most SIM swap attacks, scammers use your personal information, either purchased from other criminals or obtained through earlier phishing attacks or social engineering, to request for a SIM card replacement.
All that does not require any action on your part. In most cases, you only realise you’ve been hit when you lose access to your mobile number.
Fact #6 : SIM Swap Attack May Require Action In Some Cases
The Press 1 claim in the viral message is partially correct, but it only happens in a particular circumstance.
In India, scammers have tricked people by offering a free network upgrade, or to help improve signal quality on their phones :
The scammer will call the victim, claiming to be from their mobile service provider.
The scammer will try to get the victim to reveal his/her 20-digit SIM card number.
The scammer will use the 20-digit SIM number to initiate a SIM swap with the mobile service provider.
The mobile service provider will automatically send an SMS to confirm the swap.
Once the victim confirms the swap, his/her SIM card will stop working.
The scammer now has access to the victim’s mobile number.
Fact #7 : SIM Swap Attack Does Not Hack Your Phone
The SIM swap attack does not involve any hacking of your phone.
You only lose access to your mobile number. Your phone is not hacked.
Fact #8 : SIM Swap Attack Does Not Empty Bank Accounts
Once the scammers successfully gain control of your mobile number, they can use it to intercept one-time passwords (OTP) like TAC numbers.
This allows them to change passwords to your bank accounts, social media accounts, etc. which is why SIM swap attacks are so dangerous and damaging.
However, it does not mean your bank accounts are immediately emptied. For one thing – the scammers need to know your bank login.
That’s why SIM swap victims often have had their bank logins and passwords stolen earlier though phishing attacks. The scammers only need their mobile numbers to receive OTP / TAC numbers to authenticate the transfers.
Fact #9 : SIM Swap Attack Can Be Used To Cheat Friends Too!
Stealing money from your bank account requires extra work, so scammers who do not have your bank login details will resort to cheating your friends.
With access to your phone number, they can easily gain access to your social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) as well as instant messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram).
Once they have control, they can send messages to your friends, pretending to be you. Naturally, they will concoct some story to ask your friends for money.
The idea is to use your (now) stolen accounts to convince your friends that you genuinely need their help. The money that they transfer goes directly to the scammers, or their mules (people who rent their bank accounts to scammers).
Now that you know the facts behind the SIM swap attack or scam, please SHARE this article with your family and friends!
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Are street children being used to lure rape / murder / organ harvesting victims?!
Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!
Claim : Street Children Are Being Used To Lure Victims!
This message has gone viral on WhatsApp and social media, sometimes shared as text, sometimes as screenshots:
URGENT NOTICE Ministry of Home Affairs. From all police stations to all citizens
There are children in the streets now carrying papers with their home address written on it and claiming that they are lost. If you see these children, do not take them to the written address because people are waiting for you there to kill you, steal your organs, or rape you, so we ask you to take them to the nearest police station or the nearest emergency patrol and immediately report them.
Please distribute this. This is true, and we confirm that they hand them over to the nearest police station or the nearest patrol that you find. Don’t try to be a hero or a good Samaritan. Send it to all your contacts. -Rescue Forces.
NOTIS SEGERA
Kementerian Dalam Negeri.
Dari semua balai polis kepada semua rakyat .Terdapat kanak-kanak di jalanan kini membawa kertas dengan alamat rumah mereka tertulis di atasnya dan mendakwa bahawa mereka hilang. Jika anda melihat kanak-kanak ini, jangan bawa mereka ke alamat bertulis kerana orang sedang menunggu anda di sana untuk membunuh anda, mencuri organ anda, atau merogol, jadi kami meminta anda untuk membawa mereka ke balai polis berhampiran atau rondaan kecemasan terdekat dan segera melaporkan mereka.
Tolong edarkan ini. Perkara itu benar, dan kami mengesahkan bahawa mereka menyerahkan mereka ke balai polis terdekat atau peronda terdekat yang anda temui. Jangan cuba menjadi pahlawan atau orang Samaria yang baik. Hantarnya kepada semua kenalan anda.
Truth : Street Children Are Not Being Used To Lure Victims!
This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…
Fact #1 : Viral Message Has Been Circulating Since 2022
This viral message isn’t new. It has been circulating at least since April 2022, if not earlier. It just keeps going viral on and off on WhatsApp and social media.
The first messages appear to start spreading in Nigeria and Uganda, before going viral in Southeast Asia.
Fact #2 : No Evidence For Street Children Being Used As Bait
There is no evidence that street children are being used to lure victims for criminal gangs looking to kill or rape you, or steal your organs. There is no known case of criminal gangs using street children as bait either.
In fact, it is a rather ridiculous idea. There are easier ways for criminals to target you, than to use street children to lure you in.
Fact #3 : PDRM Calls It Fake News
When the message went viral in Malaysia for the first time in September 2022, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) issued a statement, calling it fake news. Here is the English translation:
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has detected one (1) message spreading on social media that is alleged to be a ‘warning notice from the Ministry of Home Affairs and police stations nationwide’. The message alleges there are people using street urchins who carry papers with their home address as a tactic to get help to be sent home. Any individual who helps bring such children to the alleged address will be killed, organs stolen and raped.
PDRM confirmed that the viral message is fake and was never issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) nor PDRM. An investigation also confirmed that no police reports had been received in relation to criminal incidents as shared.
Human organs are not Legos. You can take Legos from one set and use them in another set, but you can’t take organs from someone and just plunk them into another person.
Harvested or donated organs need to be matched to their recipients, or they will be rejected by the body and fail.
Every donor and recipient needs to undergo three tests to ensure compatibility – blood type, blood cross-matching, and HLA typing. If this is not done, organ rejection is almost a certainty.
This is why it is very unlikely for the criminals to just kidnap anyone just to harvest their organs. They will want to match the donors to the recipients BEFORE they kidnap them.
Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!
Please Support My Work!
Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Do traffic lights in Malaysia now have CCTV cameras to catch drivers crossing the white line?!
Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!
Claim : Traffic Lights Have CCTV To Catch Drivers!
People are sharing a photo of a JPJ (Road Transport Department) traffic offence fine issued to a driver called Koh Chip Wee.
They claim that he was fined after a CCTV camera at the traffic light caught him stopping his vehicle over the white line. This example warns motorists that they could be fined RM2,000 or jailed for up to 6 months for this offence:
It’s a RM 2K fine or 6 months jail for waiting across the white line at traffic lights monitored by cameras, the notices hv already started going out by post… Cheers
Other people are sharing the photo with this audio message of a man warning people that traffic lights in Kuantan, Pahang, now have CCTV cameras that are designed to catch motorists who stop over the white line.
Truth : Traffic Lights Do Not Have CCTV To Catch Drivers!
This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media platforms, and here are the reasons why…
Fact #1 : You Can Be Fined For Stopping Over White Line
First, let me just confirm that this part is true – motorists may be fined up to RM2,000, or jailed for up to 6 months, if they are caught stopping any part of their vehicles on any zebra crossing, including crossing that unbroken white line at any traffic light.
Mana-mana individu yang melakukan kesalahan boleh dikenakan denda tidak melebihi RM2,000 atau dipenjarakan selama tempoh tidak melebihi enam bulan.
Any individual who commits an offense may be fined not exceeding RM2,000 or imprisoned for a period not exceeding six months.
In other words – this is a serious offence, with serious consequences. You must stop your vehicle before the unbroken white line at all traffic lights.
Most of us motorists never think about this. So this is a timely warning. Please SHARE this warning with your family and friends!
Fact #2 : Traffic Lights Currently Do Not Have CCTV Cameras
The traffic lights currently do not have any CCTV cameras installed to catch drivers crossing the white line, or committing any other traffic offences.
That device you see on many traffic lights these days is an active infra-red sensor. Such infra-red sensors are used to determine the presence of vehicles, for traffic control.
If the sensor does not detect the presence of a vehicle waiting, the traffic light for that lane may skip a turn to allow vehicles using other lanes to go through the junction for a longer period of time.
In the viral photo, the angle of the photo taken indicates that it was not taken by any camera attached to the traffic light. The photo was taken from behind the vehicle and even shows the traffic light itself.
Fact #3 : Driver Was Fined For Running A Red Light
The motorist in this case was not fined for stopping his vehicle over the white line at the traffic light.
If you look closely at the notice, you can see that he was actually fined for running a red light. In addition, he was only fined RM300 for the offence, not RM2,000.
Kesalahan : Gagal mematuhi isyarat merah pada isyarat lalulintas
Offence : Failed to obey red light at traffic light
Fact #4 : Only Known Traffic Light CCTV Camera Was A Test
The only known CCTV camera (with AI technology) that was installed for the purpose of catching traffic offences started operating in Miri on 4 July 2023.
This AI Violation Detection CCTV camera is designed to automatically monitor and record driver behaviour at the intersection, including:
collecting data on vehicle speed and details
automatically detecting and recording speeding vehicles
recording driver offences like using mobile phones, smoking, and not wearing seatbelts while driving
However, this CCTV camera with AI technology was installed as a proof-of-concept trial that will only last 6 months.
The trial period would be six months and the results will be presented to the ministry to decide on the next course of action.
It may be just a matter of time before such cameras are deployed in Malaysia, and other countries around the world. But right now, there really are no CCTV cameras installed at traffic lights to catch drivers committing traffic offences like stopping over the white line.
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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
These PDRM parking fine emails are scam emails. This was confirmed by PDRM itself.
On 7 August 2023, the Cyber Crime division of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) posted an alert warning motorists not to fall for the MyBayar scam.
These emails are designed to scare its victims into action. Hence, it offers a very cheap way to quickly “settle the problem”. However, if you take a breath, and analyse the email CAREFULLY, you will see many problems with it.
Letter is from PDRM : The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will never write to you by email.
Letter is in English : The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will never write to you in English.
Typo in the name : The fake email used My Bayar PDRM, instead of MyBayar PDRM.
Lack of name and personal details : The fake email refers generically to “Dear recipient“, without listing your full name and MyKad number.
Lack of vehicle details : The fake email doesn’t mention the vehicle make and plate number.
Lack of location details : The fake email does not mention where the offence occurred, or even when it occurred.
Fine is much too low : PDRM traffic fines are never as low as RM50. The cheapest fine is RM150 for Category 4 offences, but you can pay as low as RM70 within 15 days.
No such law : The fake email refers to the Road Traffic Act. There is no such act in Malaysia. The proper name is the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333).
No such section : If you look at the Malaysia Road Transport Act 1987 (PDF download), you will see that there is no such thing as Section 2016-691.
The email appears to be from My Bayar PDRM (typo in the name), but if you inspect the email address, you will see that it was sent by “in-to-no-reply@silverbackgames.xxx” or “hello@sooqr.com” or some other email address.
Obviously, this email did not originate from an official PDRM email address! This should immediately tell you that this is a fake or scam email!
If you click on the Pay My Fine link in the scam email, you will be taken to a fakeMy Bayar PDRM website (with the same typo in the name).
You may notice that you now have 7 days to pay the RM 50 fine, instead of just 5 days in the email. Odd, isn’t it?
Also odd is the fact that the page does not mention your name, your MyKad number, your vehicle type and model, or even its plate number! The page also doesn’t mention where the offence took place, or the time you were caught committing said offence.
Do NOT proceed after this point… This is a scam website!
But if you have itchy fingers, and click on the Pay The Fine button, you will be asked to pay for the RM50 fine using your debit or credit card.
Needless to say, PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR DEBIT / CREDIT CARD DETAILS!!!
If you provide these scammers with your debit / credit card details and TAC / OTP numbers, they will be able to charge ANY AMOUNT they want to your credit card, or withdraw ANY AMOUNT they want from your bank account!
It’s even worse if you are asked to log into your bank account to pay the fine. DO NOT DO THAT!
If you provide them with your bank login and password, as well as OTP/TAC number, these scammers will be able to transfer money out of your bank account!
Please note – this is a scam! This is a phishing attack to gain access to your credit card and/or bank account.
Regardless of how you get any notification from PDRM about any traffic offence you may have committed, you should always check the status through these official MyBayar PDRM options:
Please SHARE this warning with your family and friends!
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Did a Chinese driver get attacked with an axe after he honked at a Malay driver in front of him?!
Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!
Claim : Chinese Driver Attacked With Axe After Honking!
People are now sharing four videos together with this viral message about a Chinese driver getting attacked with an axe after he honked at a Malay driver in front of him!
Forwarded by another chat group. The Chinese driver at the back horn the malay guy in front. Maybe the malay driver in bad mood took an axe and chopped him.
Be patience on the road and do not horn unnecessary.
I will not be posting the videos, because they are shocking in nature. However, these two screenshots should give you an idea of the violence, and the videos I’m referring to.
Truth : No Chinese Driver Was Hacked With Axe For Honking!
This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp, and here are the reasons why…
Fact #1 : Incident Occurred In Sabah
Let me start by pointing out that the viral videos are genuine, and were not edited. There was a recent incident where a man was hacked with an axe in Malaysia.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night, 9 August 2023, in Likas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Fact #2 : The Man Did Not Honk At Anyone
The incident did not involve honking. The victim – a 37 year-old man, had earlier parked his car at an open space near Menara Kinabalu – the Sabah state administrative centre.
He was having a meal with his 30 year-old girlfriend in his parked car, when three men approached his car at around 9 PM. One of the three man then proceeded to attack the victim with an axe.
The couple managed to escape to the nearby Alamesra police station to seek help, and lodge a police report. The victim was later sent to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment. His girlfriend was not injured.
Fact #3 : Police Are Looking For The Three Men
The police are now looking for the three man to help with their investigation into the case – 37 year-old Withal Jalali, 27 year-old Abdel Jalali, and another man who has not been identified.
Those with information of the individuals or the incident are advised to come forward and report the matter at the nearest police station or contact the investigating officer Inspector Muhammad Khaidir Zakaria at 014-801-961.
The man who attacked the victim with an axe is believed to be Winhal Jalali – the woman’s ex-husband.
The woman is believed to have married the suspect in 2015, before they divorced about a month ago. She has known the victim for six months before starting a romantic relationship two weeks ago.
Kota Kinabalu Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Zaidi Abdullah confirmed the incident on Friday, 11 August 2023, stating:
The man suffered multiple injuries to his face, hands and foot following the attack. We believe the motive of the attack was jealousy.
The case is being investigated under Section 326 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing grievous hurt using a dangerous weapon.
Fact #5 : Victim’s Identity Is Still Unknown
The victim’s identity is currently unknown. The police have not revealed his name, much less his race. Therefore, there is no evidence that he is a Chinese man.
Until and unless the victim and/or the police reveals his identity and race, anyone who tells you that he is a Chinese man is likely telling a tall tale.
Fact #6 : Two Suspects Are Suluk
According to the Kota Kinabalu police, the two suspects who have been identified – Winhal Jalali and Abdel Jalali, are from the Suluk ethnic group.
In other words – the claim in the viral warning that the driver was attacked by a “moody Malay man” is categorically false.
Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
The Inspector-General of Police just announced that PDRM will conduct roadblocks at strategic locations, from midnight onwards!
IGP : PDRM To Conduct Roadblocks From Midnight Onwards!
On Saturday, 12 August 2023, the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain announced that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will conduct roadblocks at strategic locations nationwide, from midnight onwards!
He said that these roadblocks are part of ongoing efforts to prevent crime and ensure public safety through police omnipresence, and unrelated to the 2023 state elections.
This is part of our monthly routine to prevent crimes and is not related to the state elections. Our men will be stationed at various locations to ensure there are no untoward incidents.
At the same time, IGP Razarudin also urged supporters of political parties not to hold any victory convoys with their vehicles.
He also said that the police will increase its presence at state palaces and residences of the Yang di-Pertua to prevent disruptions at those locations.
PDRM conducted similar roadblocks were during the 15th General Elections in November 2022.
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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
PDRM is warning motorists not to fall for the MyBayar scam! Here is what you need to know about the MyBayar PDRM scam!
PDRM Warning : Watch Out For MyBayar Scam
On 7 August 2023, the Cyber Crime division of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) posted an alert warning motorists not to fall for the MyBayar scam.
The MyBayar PDRM scam starts with an official-looking email that warns motorists that they have been caught contravening the law, and offers a cheap RM50 fine if paid within 5 days:
Last notice of contravention before prosecution
Dear recipient,
We are writing to draw your attention to a recent traffic violation in Malaysian jurisdiction.
Our traffic enforcement staff have observed your vehicle parked in a no-parking zone. This contravenes section (no. 2016-691] of the Road Traffic Act.
As a result of this infringement, a fine of MYR 50 has been imposed. This fine must be paid within 5 days of the date of this notification to avoid further legal consequences.
Failure to pay the fine within the allotted time may result in legal proceedings being taken against you, which could lead to increased fines, penalties and the possible suspension of your driving license.
Many people who received the MyBayar PDRM email might be shocked to find out that they were caught committing a traffic violation, and then relieved that it was only RM50 if they paid quickly.
That’s how the scammers trap their victims – by offering a cheap RM50 fine, when we all know that fines for traffic offences are at least RM150, and can go all the way up to RM1,000!
Those who received this fake MyBayar PDRM email would be tempted to quickly pay the cheap RM50 fine, before it becomes a lot more expensive!
But if you take a closer look at the email, you will spot some problems with it:
Weird English : The email title of “Last notice of contravention before prosecution” is nonsensical.
Typo in the name : The fake email used My Bayar PDRM, instead of MyBayar PDRM.
Lack of name and personal details : The fake email refers generically to “Dear recipient“, without listing your full name and MyKad number.
Lack of vehicle details : The fake email doesn’t mention the vehicle make and plate number.
Lack of location details : The fake email does not mention where the offence occurred, or even when it occurred.
Fine is much too low : PDRM traffic fines are never as low as RM50. The cheapest fine is RM150 for Category 4 offences, but you can pay as low as RM70 within 15 days.
No such law : The fake email refers to the Road Traffic Act. There is no such act in Malaysia. The proper name is the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333).
No such section : If you look at the Malaysia Road Transport Act 1987 (PDF download), you will see that there is no such thing as Section 2016-691.
The email appears to be from My Bayar PDRM (typo in the name), but if you inspect the email address, you will see that it was sent by “in-to-no-reply@silverbackgames.xxx” or “hello@sooqr.com” or some other email address.
Obviously, this email did not originate from an official PDRM email address! This should immediately tell you that this is a fake or scam email!
If you click on the Pay My Fine link in the scam email, you will be taken to a fakeMy Bayar PDRM website (with the same typo in the name).
You may notice that you now have 7 days to pay the RM 50 fine, instead of just 5 days in the email. Odd, isn’t it?
Also odd is the fact that the page does not mention your name, your MyKad number, your vehicle type and model, or even its plate number! The page also doesn’t mention where the offence took place, or the time you were caught committing said offence.
Do NOT proceed after this point… This is a scam website!
But if you have itchy fingers, and click on the Pay The Fine button, you will be asked to pay for the RM50 fine using your debit or credit card.
Needless to say, PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR DEBIT / CREDIT CARD DETAILS!!!
If you provide these scammers with your debit / credit card details and TAC / OTP numbers, they will be able to charge ANY AMOUNT they want to your credit card, or withdraw ANY AMOUNT they want from your bank account!
It’s even worse if you are asked to log into your bank account to pay the fine. DO NOT DO THAT!
If you provide them with your bank login and password, as well as OTP/TAC number, these scammers will be able to transfer money out of your bank account!
Please note – this is a scam! This is a phishing attack to gain access to your credit card and/or bank account.
Regardless of how you get any notification from PDRM about any traffic offence you may have committed, you should always check the status through these official MyBayar PDRM options:
Please SHARE this warning with your family and friends!
Please Support My Work!
Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
PDRM is warning motorists not to stop their vehicles on any zebra crossing, or be subject to a fine of up to RM2,000, or 6 month’s jail!
PDRM Warning : It’s Illegal To Stop On Zebra Crossing!
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is warning motorists not to stop their vehicles on any zebra crossing, or be subject to a fine of up to RM2,000, or 6 month’s jail!
On 28 July 2023, PDRM’s Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department (JSPT) announced that it would initiate a nationwide operation to enforce traffic laws under Op Pematuhan Peraturan Lala Lintas (Traffic Regulations Enforcement Operation).
One of the operations it is now carrying out is to enforce Rule 38 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959, which prohibits motorists from stopping their vehicles on any zebra crossing, unless it is out of their control – they are blocked by other vehicles from moving out of the way, or if it is necessary to prevent an accident.
OP PEMATUHAN PERATURAN LALU LINTAS
Jabatan Siasatan Dan Penguatkuasaan Trafik (JSPT) Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) pada 28 Julai 2023 telah mengeluarkan satu kenyataan media berhubung pelaksanaan OP Pematuhan Peraturan Lalu di seluruh negara.
Salah satu daripada operasi yang dijalankan adalah Kaedah 38 Kaedah-Kaedah Lalu Lintas Jalan (LN166/1959) – Tidak Boleh Memberhentikan Kenderaan Di Lintasan, menyatakan bahawa ;
– Pemandu kenderaan tidak boleh menyebabkan kenderaan atau mana-mana bahagian kenderaannya berhenti di dalam kawasan lintasan melainkan sama ada dia dilarang daripada bergerak oleh keadaan yang diluar kawalannya atau jika perlu baginya untuk berhenti bagi mengelakkan kemalangan.
Here is the English translation:
TRAFFIC REGULATIONS ENFORCEMENT OPERATION
The Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) on 28 July 2023 issued a media statement regarding the launch of the Traffic Regulations Enforcement Operation throughout the country.
One of the operations carried out is Rule 38 of the Road Traffic Rules (LN166/1959) – Not Allowed To Stop Vehicles At Crossings, which state that;
– The driver must not cause the vehicle or any part of the vehicle to stop in the crossing area unless he is prohibited from moving by circumstances beyond his control or if it is necessary for him to stop to avoid an accident.
To be clear – all motorists – whether they are driving a car, a van, or riding a motorcycle, should not cross the white line. If any part of their vehicle crosses the white line, that constitutes an offence.
Pengguna jalan raya diingatkan untuk mematuhi peraturan lalulintas dan tidak berhenti melebihi garisan putih kerana perbuatan ini adalah salah satu punca berlakunya kesesakan lalu lintas, berlakunya kemalangan dan juga boleh mengganggu pengguna jalanraya yang lain.
Road users are reminded to obey traffic rules and not stop beyond the white line because this act is one of the causes of traffic jams, accidents and can also disturb other road users.
Fine / Jail If Caught Stopping On Zebra Crossing!
JSPT is also warning that motorists may be fined up to RM2,000, or jailed for up to 6 months, if they are caught stopping any part of their vehicles on any zebra crossing.
Mana-mana individu yang melakukan kesalahan boleh dikenakan denda tidak melebihi RM2,000 atau dipenjarakan selama tempoh tidak melebihi enam bulan.
Any individual who commits an offense may be fined not exceeding RM2,000 or imprisoned for a period not exceeding six months.
In other words – this is a serious offence, with serious consequences. Most of us motorists never think about this. So this is a timely warning. Please SHARE this warning with your family and friends!
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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Did JPJ stop issuing physical road tax stickers, except to senior citizens, foreigners and companies?!
Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!
Claim : JPJ Stopped Issuing Physical Road Tax For Most Drivers!
This message has gone viral on WhatsApp and social media platforms, claiming that JPJ stopped issuing physical road tax stickers, except to senior citizens, foreigners and companies!
DIGITAL ROAD TAX 1) Via MyJPJ Apps 2) Via JPJ website https://public.jpj.gov.my/
Starting Tuesdsy, August 1, 2023 on Tuesday. JPJ will no longer issue physical roadtax except for Senior Citizen, Non-Citizen & Company.
The JPJ will use up the existing roadtax disk & then run the digital roadtax as a whole. Download myJPJ apps
Things you need to register MyJPJ Apps : 1) Car Owner’s Driving Licence 2) Car Owner’s Mobile Phone # 3) Car Owner’s Email Address (for verification purpose) 4) To answer a few security questions. It is advisable for the car owner to register the MyJPJ Apps themselves.
Truth : JPJ Did Not Stop Issuing Physical Road Tax Stickers!
This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media platforms, and here are the reasons why…
Fact #1 : Physical Road Tax Sticker No Longer Required For Most Drivers
First, let me just point out that since 10 February 2023, the physical road tax stickers for vehicles in Malaysia are no longer required, except for these vehicles:
private vehicles owned by private companies
private vehicles owned by foreigners
commercial vehicles
public service vehicles
Fact #2 : Digital Road Tax Is Optional
When Anthony Loke announced the introduction of a digital road tax or motor vehicle licence (e-LKM) on 10 February 2023, he said that it was optional, and part of the broader digitalisation plan for JPJ to provide a smoother and faster service to the people.
Don’t worry, the digital format is not mandatory. You can still obtain the road tax sticker and physical driving licence from JPJ, if required.
As mentioned in our 10 February 2023 article, the e-LKM digital road tax is OPTIONAL. You can continue request for, and use a physical sticker.
As Transport Minister Anthony Loke clarified, JPJ will continue to offer physical road tax stickers for motorists who still prefer to use it on their cars or motorcycles.
These printed stickers will be available to all motorists who request for it, at all JPJ branches.
You can still the physical road tax sticker and driving licence. Motorists are offered the option to go digital, or use the physical road tax stickers and driving licence cards.
Fact #4 : JPJ Ordered To Remove Notice!
On Thursday, 3 August 2023, Transport Minister Anthony Loke ordered JPJ to remove the notice posted at several branches, stating that the Road Transport Department was no longer issuing physical stickers for private vehicles.
Anthony Loke said that the directive, which was issued by JPJ Director-General Rospiagos Taha, was due to the non-availability of physical stickers are several branches, and NOT a policy decision.
The (road tax) sticker is still being issued. Several branches ran out of stock and put up a notice on the non-availability of physical road tax, but it is not a policy decision. We took quick action on finding out that branches have run out of stock and will continue to order new stock.
The Malaysia Transport Ministry is giving motorists until the end of 2023 at the very minimum, to register and try out the new digital road tax and digital driving licence.
On Thursday, 3 August 2023, Road Transport Minister Anthony Loke also said that a cut-off date for the full transition to digital road tax has yet to be set. Therefore, the claim that JPJ has stopped issuing physical road tax stickers is categorically false.
But there will come a time when we will transform to fully digital. No decision has been made yet; it would take six months to one year before going fully digital.
According to JPJ, only about 30% of vehicle owners have so far opted for the digital road tax.
Fact #5 : MyJPJ App Not Mandatory Either
Just to be clear – it is NOT mandatory for any motorist to download and use the MyJPJ app either. It is merely “one of the options” to obtain the digital copy of your road tax and driving licence.
It does not matter if you have no physical road tax sticker or driving licence, and are unable to show the digital versions using the MyJPJ app. The enforcement agencies can confirm the status of your road tax and driving licence through their own gadget.
Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!
Please Support My Work!
Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Will JPJ require senior drivers to get an eye test and medical examination to renew their driving licence in 2024?!
Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!
Updated @ 2023-07-21 : Added JPJ’s official statement on the viral claim Originally posted @ 2023-07-20
Claim : JPJ To Require Eye + Medical Tests For Senior Drivers!
This message has gone viral on WhatApp, claiming that the Malaysia Road Transport Department (JPJ) will require senior drivers who are 65 years and older to get an eye test and medical report before they can renew their driving licence in 2024!
Post as received!👇🏻
Notice Hi seniors, those above 65 yrs will need to get eye tests & medical from 2024 to get your driving licence re-newed. Go to jpj now to get your licence extended at the warga Emas counter. We just did it. Very fast. Less than 15 mins. Mine expires 2027 so they extended till 2034. Rm30/yr. pay with credit card. Very easy. 1. At jpj pj, go to the right door -enquiry to get your number. 2. Then go to pintu B to warga Mas counter & give your driving licence & pay. 3. Then go a counter on the left to give the guy your ic. Wait for him to give u your new driving licence.
Truth : JPJ Does NOT Require Eye + Medical Tests For Senior Drivers!
This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…
Fact #1 : Eye Test + Medical Report Not Required To Renew Driving Licence
First, let me just point out that the renewal of your driving licence has very few requirements:
The driver must not be blacklisted
You can only renew your driving licence for up to 10 years.
You must provide the following documents:
– Original MyKad / passport (or copies, if renewed by a representative)
– Original MyKad / passport of representative (if renewed by a representative)
– Original driving licence
– 1 colour photo (25 mm x 32 mm, with a white background)
– Fee of RM2 per year for Class A/A1)
– Fee of RM20 per year for Class B, B2 and C
– Fee of RM30 per year for Class D and above
There is no requirement to undertake any eye test, or provide a medical report, in order to renew your driving licence.
Fact #2 : JPJ Labelled The Claim As Fake News!
A check of the JPJ website and official Facebook page confirmed that the Malaysia Road Transport Department has not announced any additional requirements to renew your driving licence.
There was also no such announcement on the official Facebook page of Malaysia Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
At around 5:45 PM on July 20, 2023, JPJ finally issued a statement, calling the claim it will require senior drivers to undertake an eye test and provide a medical report to renew their driving licence as “fake news“. Here is the statement in English:
VIRAL MESSAGE DISCLAIMER NOTICE
The Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ) would like to inform everyone that the claim that went viral on WhatsApp about Senior Citizens aged 65 and above being required to undergo eye examination and health examination starting in 2024 IS NOT TRUE.
Accordingly, the driving license renewal for senior citizens remains as usual.
In this regard, JPJ advises the public not to be so gullible and to contact the nearest JPJ office to get more accurate information so as not to be deceived.
Fact #3 : PDRM Asked For Fit To Drive Test In 2021
This fake news is likely based on 2021 news reports about a possible Fit To Drive test for senior drivers in Malaysia.
In September 2021, Malaysian police asked the government to consider introducing a “Fit To Drive” assessment system to evaluate senior drivers who are 60 years and older, before they are allowed to renew their driving / riding licences.
At that time, federal traffic police chief Azisman Alias explained that the suggestion to the Malaysian Transport Ministry and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) was based on the number of cases involving senior citizens who were caught driving against the flow of traffic, and committing other offences at traffic lights and road junctions.
We need to assess the capability of senior citizens on the road because of the risk posed to other road users as well as themselves.
There have been several cases involving drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol. We also see a rising number of cases of driving against the flow involving the elderly aged 60 to 70 years and above.
When the police detained them, it was apparent some of them aged 70 and above had some sort of dementia or senility. Some of them were also found to be not alert to certain traffic conditions.
He suggested, at that time, that the medical fraternity alongside the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) should conduct a study on the possibility of introducing aptitude or cognitive tests for senior drivers.
They (senior drivers) should only be allowed to renew their licences provided they undergo a medical check-up and receive confirmation from a doctor that they are fit to drive, mentally and physically.
He cited developed countries such as the UK, Canada, Singapore and Australia, which have introduced similar tests. For example, senior drivers in Singapore who are over 65 years old must undergo an annual medical examination by a medical practitioner.
That suggestion was met with public uproar. The Transport Minister at that time, Wee Ka Siong, also spoke out against it, calling it discriminatory:
Many drivers far above the age of 70 display greater competence in driving compared to those who are younger.
Simply refusing an elderly the means to drive or ride on the basis of their age or based on isolated or anecdotal evidence is discriminatory
As of July 2023, the Malaysia Transport Ministry and the Road Transport Department have not implemented, or even announced, any such Fit To Drive test for senior drivers.
Fact #4 : Senior Drivers To Voluntarily Surrender Driving Licence
Ultimately, as long as senior drivers have not been blacklisted for committing traffic offences, they can continue to renew driving licences.
This fake news is similar to the 2021 viral claim that senior drivers who are 70 years and above must surrender their driving licences to JPJ.
As Wee Ka Siong, the Transport Minister at that time explained, the Malaysia Road Transport Act 1987 leaves the responsibility to the driver to voluntarily surrender their driving licence if their health is unsatisfactory and may endanger other road users.
Actually, Section 30 of the Road Transport Act 1987 leaves the responsibility to the driver to voluntarily surrender their driving license when they have unsatisfactory health conditions and may endanger other road users.
Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!
Please Support My Work!
Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp
Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Is JPJ now installing AES CCTV cameras with AI technology to monitor what drivers do at traffic lights?!
Take a look at the viral photo, and find out what the facts really are!
Claim : JPJ Is Installing AES CCTV Cameras With AI Tech!
People are sharing a photo on WhatsApp and social media platforms, claiming that the Malaysia Road Transport Department (JPJ) has started installing AES CCTV cameras at with AI technology.
These new AES (Automated Enforcement System) CCTV cameras are apparently using artificial intelligence to monitor what drivers do at traffic lights, and catch them committing crimes like using their smartphone / mobile phone.
JPJ sudah bermula memasang CCTV A.I AES yang dapat merakam video apa yang kamu sedang buat di Traffik light… yang selalu main Henfon semasa menunggu lampu Hijau… sila berjaga jaga ya.. sekali kena saman jangan cakap tak bagi amaran pula..
JPJ has started installing CCTV A.I AES that can record video of what you are doing at the traffic light… who are always playing with their smartphones while waiting for the green light… please be careful.. once you get a summons, don’t say no one warned you..
Truth : JPJ Is NOT Installing AES CCTV Cameras With AI Tech!
This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media platforms, and here are the reasons why!
Fact #1 : It Was Installed As Proof Of Concept Trial
First, let me just confirm that the JPJ has not initiated any widespread project to install CCTV cameras with artificial intelligence (AI) technology at traffic lights.
The camera was installed as a proof of concept trial, which was launched on Tuesday, 4 July 2023, as “Proof of Concept : AI Violation Detection CCTV“.
The viral photo was issued by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), together with the official press release.
Fact #2 : Camera Was Only Installed In Miri
Only one AI Violation Detection CCTV camera was installed, and it was installed at the Jalan Merbau intersection facing the Bintang Megamall in Miri, Sarawak.
The Sarawak Ministry of Transportation (MOTS) specifically chose that location, because it was an accident-prone area.
Fact #3 : Trial Only Lasts For Six Months
This proof-of-concept trial is only set to last for six months, according to Sarawak Transportation Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin:
The trial period would be six months and the results will be presented to the ministry to decide on the next course of action.
Fact #4 : CCTV Camera Monitors + Records Driver Behaviour
The AI Violation Detection CCTV camera is designed to automatically monitor and record driver behaviour at the intersection, including:
collecting data on vehicle speed and details
automatically detecting and recording speeding vehicles
recording driver offences like using mobile phones, smoking, and not wearing seatbelts while driving
The objective is to collect data on driver behaviour, traffic flow and volume in addition to vehicle colour, classification, model and make.
In addition, to collect data on the speed of travel and vehicle registration number, automatically detect and record vehicles exceeding the speed limit and record the offenses of drivers using mobile phones, smoking and not wearing seat belts while driving.
Data collected from the system will be analysed to gain a better insight into traffic behaviour, identify high-risk areas, as well as enable data-driven decisions to be made by the ministry and enforcement agencies to improve road safety.
Fact #5 : Such Cameras Are The Future
Even though this is just a time-limited trial run, automatic monitoring and reporting of traffic offences by AI-enabled CCTV cameras are the future, because they allow the police to better catch bad driving behaviour without requiring massive manpower.
As Dato Sri Lee shared, the AI Violation Detection CCTV camera caught a repeat offender speeding on eight occasions within one week at the intersection.
The automatic monitoring of driver behaviour through CCTV cameras is common in China, where state surveillance has long been the norm. Chinese cameras are pervasive, albeit not always accurate.
Still, it is just a matter of time before before such cameras are deployed in Malaysia, and other countries around the world. In other words – this fake news may not stay “fake news” for long…
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
On Friday, July 7, 2023, Perak Police Chief Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri refuted the viral claims that the video showed a landslide crushing cars on the Gopeng-Tapah road. He said that a check by the police confirmed that the incident happened overseas.
The incident did not happen in Perak but overseas.
Fact #4 : This Is Just Another Fake Video
This is just another example of fake videos misappropriated to create controversies. Here are some other recent examples you may have seen recently:
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Find out how a university student just lost over RM22,000 in an online job scam!
Please SHARE this article to warn your family and friends to avoid such online job scams!
Online Job Scam Are Targeting The Poor + Desperate!
Online job scams have been around for a long, long time. But fake job syndicates have become more active recently, probably because more people are getting laid off, and inflation is eating into our money.
Online job scams come in a variety of ways, but most commonly, you get unsolicited messages through WhatsApp or iMessage, offering you the opportunity to make a lot of money through part-time work, in the comfort of your own home.
This is especially appealing to people who are currently jobless and desperate. Or in this recent case – a university student who is just starting out in life.
I am Shirley , a permanent employee at XXXX Company in the recruitment department. The HR department sent me this number and asked me to contact you to get you to a job opportunity.
Hello! I am Miss Aisyah Binte Ahmed, from The Recruitment Dept. at YYYY Digital, Malaysia. Our company is hiring part-time and full-time online Employees. Can I briefly share the details with you?
How A University Student Lost RM22K In Online Job Scam!
I had earlier written about how fake job syndicates cheat people of their hard-earned money, but I didn’t realise that these scammers are also targeting university students!
A university student recently shared how he quickly lost over RM20,000 to an online job scam, despite being warned that it could be a scam!
How They Reel The Student In…
These online job scams always start by offering their victims an EASY way to make A LOT of money!
It all started two days ago, when an unknown person asked me if I’m interested in a part time job. I usually don’t decline offers like this because I’m also a student looking for internship or job opportunities.
He gave me simple tasks, like subscribing to YouTube channels and get RM10 for each subscription. I was interested as money did really go to my account.
Then, I was added into a group. They would give these free tasks of subscribing to YouTube channels.
These scammers also know that people are now wary of scams, and will always demonstrate their willingness to pay… at least in the beginning.
And occasionally will provide merchant tasks throughout the day, which you bank in a certain amount of money to them, which was said to help improve crypto merchant’s reputation or some sort, then they’ll return you a good amount of earnings after the task is completed. It takes around half an hour to do so. So for these two days I earned around RM500.
This is how the scammers establish trust with their victims, and convince them to “invest” to get even more money!
The “merchant tasks” is when they start scamming you, and the scam occurs very quickly. You may think that you’re earning a lot of money, but you will never see a cent of it.
So here’s where the fishing begins. A merchant task has started. A rule was stated that I must complete all the tasks given or I will not get the money that I banked in before.
It doesn’t matter how little you “invest” in this “merchant task” scheme. Once you are in, they will quickly use your “earnings” to force you to keep paying them!
I chose the least risk package, give RM300 to get RM360. Then, I was required to continue the next task. Same, I chose the smallest amount RM2000 to get RM2600. Again, need to continue the next task, I chose the smallest RM5000 to get RM7000. Then, RM15000 to get RM19500.
Then, RM40000 to get RM52000. At this point, I still haven’t realize it’s a scam. All I’m focussed on is I need to take back the money that I banked in, so I’m just thinking about completing the tasks given.
By The Time He Realised… It Was TOO LATE!
Because the university student was so engrossed in getting back the money he “invested” earlier, he didn’t realise that he was giving the scammers more and more money… until it was much too late.
There’s one trick that this scammer is using. He let me start with a small investment, then proceed with stages. They force me to continue because I want to rescue the money that I put in in the previous task. So it keeps getting bigger and bigger.
Unfortunately, by the time the university student realised his mistake, it was much too late… He had already lost over RM22K!
At that time, I have not enough money in my bank to fork out RM40k. So I panic and find my friend to lend me some money.
Luckily my friend as a sideliner noticed that this is a scam and stopped me. I woke up finding that evervthing was too late. Just like that, two days, RM22300, gone.
As the university student later realised, many of the people in the group are part of the online job scam syndicate. Their job is to give the victims the perception that this is a legitimate job with many people participating.
During merchant tasks, I’m asked to leave the big group and will be joining a small group of 3-4 members. One of the scary parts in this operation after I realize it’s a scam is that, all the group members in the group are actually controlled by the same person.
Out of the 4 members, two might be playing rich vips who will play the highest package, pressuring you to play with more money, the other person looks like a newcomer like me and plays along with me, choosing the lowest package.
Precautions Were Useless
The university student was actually warned by his parents that it could be a scam. He even prepared for the possibility he could be scammed:
Some Precautions | Made While Attempting This:
I was being very careful with this. I shared with my parents on the first night. My parents did warned me about it being a scam, but didn’t stop me from it since I’m earning something. They just ask me to be extra cautious.
I have two bank accounts, so I moved most of my savings such that I have a “small” account and a “big” account, to prevent losses if anything goes wrong.
I also created a new chat account with another phone number solely for this “part time job”. I also made a plan and promise to only invest my earnings, so I cannot touch my savings.
But as German Field Marshal Helmuth von Moltke once said, “No plan survives contact with the enemy“, and the student’s precaution was useless when he got “emotionally invested” in getting his money back, and ended up taking out all of his saving from the “big account”!
I believe we always read about news of scams in Malaysia, asking why are they so dumb, why they fall into these type of scams. Until I’m in their shoes. I was being very cautious taking the above steps and always remind myself to not be greedy, play only the least risk.
The worse part is, when I’m within that situation and cannot think straight. I even use my savings from my “big” account, just because I want to rescue the money I put in.
The university student is now “emotionally depressed” and “thinking about suicide” over the loss of so much money. But do the scammers care? No, they couldn’t care less if people commit suicide over the loss of their hard-earned money.
He has also contacted his bank fraud hotline, and lodged a police report. Unfortunately, he is unlikely to ever recover any of the money he lost. But I hope he understands that his life matters more to his family than money, and he can always make back the money as long as he lives.
Please SHARE this article out, and WARN your family and friends!
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Be warned – the KL police just announced it will conduct a massive traffic op throughout Kuala Lumpur for the month of July 2023!
Massive KL Police Traffic Op To Involve 1000 Officers!
On Tuesday, 28 June 2023, Kuala Lumpur Police Chief, Dato’ Mohd Shuhaily bin Mohd Zain officiated the launching ceremony of the KL police’s Kuala Lumpur Police Operation Respect for Road Laws together with Other Enforcement Agencies (Operasi Hormat Undang-undang Jalan Raya Polis Kuala Lumpur Bersama Agensi-agensi Penguatkuasaan Yang Lain).
This massive KL police operation will take place throughout Kuala Lumpur, for the entire month of July 2023. This operation will be conducted not just by the KL police, but also the Road Transport Department (JPJ), the KL city hall (DBKL), and the Environment Department (JAS).
Roughly 1000 police personnel and officers from other agencies will be involved in this operation, but they will focus on their respective jurisdictions:
This operation will involve about 1,000 officers and police personnel with the respective agencies focusing on the offences under their own jurisdiction.
KL Police Traffic Op In July 2023 To Focus On 7 Aspects
Together with partner agencies, the massive KL police traffic operation in July 2023 will involve checking on illegal parking, obstruction of traffic, running red lights, illegal number plates, illegal tinting, and offences committed by motorcyclists.
Enforcement officials will immediately issue summonses to motorists and pedestrians caught flouting traffic laws during this operation, which will involve seven separate operations to curb traffic offences:
Operation Illegal Parking (Op Parkir Haram)
Operation Traffic Obstruction (Op Halangan)
Operation Red Light (Op Lampu Merah)
Operation Number Plates (Op Numbor Pendaftaran)
Operation Dark Tinting (Op Cermin Gelap)
Operation Motorcycle (Op Motosikal)
Operation Education (Op Didik)
Police and enforcement officers will also take this opportunity to educate motorists and pedestrians on the dangers of not obeying traffic rules.
In addition to looking out for traffic offences, the KL police will also run background checks on motorists for outstanding arrest warrants and criminal records, and look for stolen vehicles.
While not involved in traffic offences, the KL Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department will also be on the lookout for drug-related offences during this operation.
Finally, the police will also take action against workshops that are conducting illegal modifications of vehicles.
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Please watch out for the wedding invitation scam, and find out why you should NEVER install any APK file from strangers!
Find out what’s going on, and warn your family and friends!
Wedding Invitation Scam Gone Viral!
A new scam has gone viral on social media in Malaysia – the wedding invitation scam. In this scam, scammers contact their victims on WhatsApp, pretending to send them an APK file as a wedding invitation!
Here is the Malay version of the scam messages, and their English translations.
Dengan rasa kesyukuran, Menjemput Tuan ZAITON OTHMAN Ke Majlis Perkawinan Anak Kami Sila Klik instal Apk untuk dapatkan kad kahwin digital kami ⬇️⬇️ Sila klik instal nampak kad kahwin digital kami 🙏, agar nak tau Siapa 😀
With gratitude, Inviting Mr. Zaiton Othman to our Son’s Wedding Please click install Apk to get our digital wedding card ⬇️⬇️ Please click install to see our digital wedding card 🙏, to know who this is 😀
This is yet another example of a Mobile Application Scam, and here are the reasons why…
Fact #1 : APK Is Android Installation File
First, it is important to know that APK files are not used to deliver wedding invitations, or photos and videos.
Short for Android Package Kit, an APK file is used to install software in Android devices. Think of it as the Android equivalent of an EXE installation file for Windows software.
Fact #2 : You Should Never Install APK File, Unless You’re An Expert
APK files, by definition, are merely installation files for Android devices. They can be used for legitimate purposes, as well as nefarious purposes.
However, legitimate Android apps are mostly delivered through proper mobile app platforms like Google Play Store and the HUAWEI App Gallery, where they are often scanned for malware before people are allowed to download and install.
Therefore, you should never download and install an APK file outside of legitimate mobile app platforms, unless you are an expert who needs to “sideload” an APK for a specific reason.
Now, this does not mean that only Android devices are vulnerable. Apple is slated to offer the ability to sideload apps too with iOS 17.
Fact #3 : Scammers Use APK Files To Install Malware
In most, if not all, cases where you receive an APK file from a stranger on WhatsApp, Telegram, through email or social media platforms, it is likely to contain malware.
Scammers use APK files containing malware to gain access to your phone. After you install these malware APK files, scammers can do anything – read your messages, steal your photos and videos, gain access to your TAC / OTP alerts, etc.
Fact #4 : APK File Scam Not Limited To Wedding Invitations
These mobile application scams are not just limited to wedding invitations, or offers to deliver illicit photos and videos. Scammers have also convinced their victims to install these APK malware files to :
book cheap temporary maid / cleaning services
book cheap air-conditioning services
book exclusive restaurants
receive special discounts
make investment transactions
Fact #5 : Scammers Use Social Engineering + Stolen Data
It is important to remember that scammers will use a combination of social engineering and stolen / purchased data to convince you to install their APK malware.
They may know your name, your MyKad number, your address and your telephone number. They may even know who is in your family, and even have your bank account or credit card details. All that information can be purchased from unscrupulous sources.
In some cases, scammers have taken over social media accounts and used them to trick the account holder’s family and friends into installing such APK malware files.
No matter who tells you to do it – even if they are your family member or friend, NEVER download and install an APK file.
Fact #6 : Bank Negara Malaysia Warned About Mobile App Scam
Bank Negara Malaysia has long warned consumers about such mobile application scams.
Be wary of clickable hyperlinks that redirects you to a site, or downloads an application to your phone. Banks will no longer send you any clickable hyperlinks via SMS!
Only download applications from your smartphone’s official application platforms (e.g. Google Play Store, [Apple] App Store, Huawei App Gallery).
Fact #7 : PDRM Confirmed This Is A Scam
On Monday, 19 June 2023, PDRM Commercial Crimes Investigation Department (CCID) Director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf warned the public about this wedding invitation scam:
This new tactic asks for an individual to open the link prepared to receive the wedding invitation. However, that’s the trick to steal information from the public and to make online transfer. The public are advised to avoid getting caught up in any message from questionable sources.
Please help us FIGHT SCAMMERS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Did 6 robbers just attack and stab a man at the Segambut KTM station in Kuala Lumpur?!
Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!
Updated @ 2023-05-07 : Added PDRM’s statement, as well as my clarification on the actual robbery. Originally published @ 2023-05-06
Claim : Robbers Just Attacked Man At Segambut KTM Station!
People are sharing a video on WhatsApp, and social media, which claims to show a man get attacked and stabbed by 6 robbers at the Segambut KTM station.
Truth : That’s Not Video Of Robbers Attacking Man In Segambut!
This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created by circulating on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…
Fact #1 : Viral Video Was Recorded In 2022
While people are claiming that it just happened, but that’s not true. This video was recorded at around 10:30 PM on Sunday, 20 February 2022.
This is visible in the original CCTV video. The viral version being shared now intentionally cuts that out, so you won’t know it’s more than a year old!
Fact #2 : The Viral Robbery Happened In Brazil
The claim that this violent incident happened at the Segambut KTM station is utter nonsense.
Anyone who has been to any MRT / LRT / KTM station in Malaysia would readily point out that none of them have turnstiles like what’s seen in the viral video.
The incident actually happened at the Boiúna BRT station in Taquara, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Fact #3 : Victim Was Topping Up His Travel Card
Some people on social media claimed that the man was being robbed after he withdrew money from the ATM machine. That’s not true.
The victim was topping up his travel card at the BRT station, when two robbers came up the ramp to snatch his backpack.
When he fought back, a third robber hiding nearby came to assist the first two robbers. Then three more robbers jumped over the turnstiles from inside the station, and two of them proceeded to stab the victim with knives.
All six men then ran off, as the man stumbled backwards over the turnstile into the station.
Some people on social media claimed that the victim died from the stabbings. That’s not true.
The man was injured during the robbery, but was taken to the Albert Schweitzer State Hospital in Realengo for treatment.
Fact #5 : Five Of The Robbers Were Arrested
Five of the robbers were detained by members of the public – two adult males aged 20 and 19, as well as three teenagers – two aged 17, and one aged 16.
Police officers later arrived to arrest the five robbers, and prevent the mob from lynching them. They also seized two knives that were used in the attack.
Fact #6 : Other People Were Robbed Too
This unfortunate man was not the only victim of this gang of. robbers that night. The BRT Operational Control Centre (CCO) raised the alarm when it spotted the gang robbing passengers.
BRT agents rushed to the scene, to find the victim who was just stabbed. Three of the victims later identified the five arrested robbers.
Fact #7 : PDRM Confirmed It’s Fake News
On Sunday, 7 May 2023, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) confirmed that the viral robbery video occurred in Brazil, not Segambut in Kuala Lumpur as alleged.
Sentul police chief Assistant Commissioner Beh Eng Lai said that the 41-second video clip titled “Segambut. Public transport at night” was in fact footage from an incident in Brazil last month.
Note : As I shared above, the robbery actually happened last year, not last month. This was confirmed by Brazilian news reports, as well as the timestamp of the actual CCTV video.
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is offering a special RM50 fine for all traffic offences!
Find out how you can pay for your traffic offences for just RM50!
PDRM Offers Special RM50 Fine For Traffic Offences!
On 18 April 2023, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, announced that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will offer a special RM50 fine for all traffic offences committed in 2022 and earlier!
From Friday, 21 April until Sunday, 21 May 2023, you will be able to pay RM50 for each traffic summon at all police district or contingent headquarters, or online using its MyBayar Saman app or website.
This special offer applies only to traffic summonses issued in 2022 and earlier. It does not apply to traffic offences committed in 2023.
The PDRM launched MyBayar Saman as an alternative payment option, instead of paying over-the-counter, or using private collecting agents like MyEG.
This would also save the public money as MyBayar Saman is FREE, and does not collect service charges. They can also pay their fines at their convenience, without wasting time queuing to pay.
Alternatively, you can also pay for your traffic offence fines at:
Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
JPJ just announced a lorry ban, and that seven major offences will be non-compoundable for the Hari Raya 2023 festive season!
Hari Raya 2023 : Traffic Offenders Will Be Sent To Court!
On Friday, 14 April 2023, the Malaysia Road Transport Department (JPJ) announced that seven traffic offences will be non-compoundable throughout the Hari Raya 2023 festive season.
Motorists who commit these seven offences from 18 to 27 April 2023 will no longer be allowed to just pay a fine, but will instead be referred to the courts.
JPJ also announced that lorries and other heavy vehicles will be banned from the roads during the Hari Raya 2023 festive season to reduce traffic congestion. The ban on heavy vehicles will last four days:
two days from April 20 to 21
two days from April 24 to 25
Category 1 : Banned From Road At All Times
Car carrier, tipper, dumper, tipping (over 7,500 kg), low loader, pole trailer, bulk cement tanker, platform trailer, timber lorry, wheeled heavy machinery and tractor
Lorry carrying cement, steel, stone, sand, soil, and other construction material, amang (tin dung), tin, coal and other minerals.
Category 2 : Allowed Only From Midnight To 8 AM
Container lorry carrying goods, except container lorry carrying goods from port / airport to industrial zones in the same state, and vice versa.
Lorry carrying electronics and electrical goods / industrial materials from port / airport to industrial zones in the same state, and vice versa.
Lorry carrying oil palm and rubber produce from plantation to industrial zone.
Cargo lorry without load.
Category 3 : Allowed Only From 6 PM To 8 AM
Limited to 25 km from construction site, subject to operating hours allowed on certain roads
Mobile crane, and cement mixer
Exceptions : Wheeled heavy machinery and mobile crane are allowed if they are required for emergency work.
All other vehicles not mentioned above, or carrying goods not mentioned in the schedule above, are allowed to travel at any time.
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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is offering a 60% discount programme on selected traffic offences!
Find out how you can pay for your traffic offences with up to 60% discount!
PDRM Offers Up To 60% Discount For Traffic Offences!
On 19 March 2023, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) announced that it is offering up to 60% discount on selected traffic offences, in conjunction with the 216th Police Day!
From Monday, 20 March until Friday, 31 March 2023, you will be able to pay for your traffic offence fines with up to 60% discount either at all police district or contingent headquarters, or online using its MyBayar Saman app or website.
The PDRM launched MyBayar Saman as an alternative payment option, instead of paying over-the-counter, or using private collecting agents like MyEG.
This would also save the public money as MyBayar Saman is FREE, and does not collect service charges. They can also pay their fines at their convenience, without wasting time queuing to pay.
The discounts being offered do NOT apply to all traffic offences. Here is a list of traffic offences that will not be reduced under this programme :
Causing accidents
Summon for court hearing
Summon with a warrant status
Offences involving heavy vehicles
Overtaking another vehicle dangerously
Driving on the emergency lane
Non-compoundable offences
Not obeying traffic lights
Overtaking across double lines
Modification of vehicle exhausts
Op Selamat summonses
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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Malaysia Transport Minister Anthony Loke addresses the frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the new digital road tax and driving licence initiatives!
Malaysia Adopts Digital Road Tax + Driving Licence!
On Friday, 10 February 2023, Malaysia Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced the adoption of both a digital road tax (motor vehicle licence), as well as a digital driving licence!
The first phase of this digital transformation initiative will involve private vehicles owned by Malaysian citizens, and certain groups of motorists.
Instead of physical road tax stickers, or physical driving licences, Malaysian citizens can now make use of digital versions using the new MyJPJ mobile app, or through the JPJ online portal.
This move is part of the broader digitalisation plan for JPJ, which should provide a smoother and faster service to the people.
Malaysia Digital Road Tax + Driving Licence FAQ!
Almost immediately after the announcement, Malaysian netizens had a ton of questions and criticisms about the new digital transformation of the road tax and driving licence.
So Malaysia Transport Minister Anthony Loke addressed the frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the new digital road tax and driving licence initiatives!
For the convenience of those who prefer to read the questions and answers in English, here is my translation of his original FAQ in Bahasa Malaysia.
Is it mandatory to download “MyJPJ” apps?
No. This is just one of the options to obtain the digital copy of the road tax, and driving licence.
Is it mandatory to download the “MyJPJ” app?
No. This is just one of the options to obtain the digital copy of the road tax, and driving licence.
If I cannot download the MyJPJ app and cannot show my digital road tax, will I be fined?
No. The enforcement agencies can confirm the status of your road tax and driving licence through the system in the enforcement gadget.
Do we still have to pay for the road tax and driving licence after their validity period ends?
Yes, you still need to pay. Only the [road tax] sticker does not need to be attached.
What happens if senior citizens do not smartphones, or in areas with no Internet access?
Don’t worry, the digital format is not mandatory. You can still obtain the road tax sticker and physical driving licence from JPJ, if required.
You can also use the Print Screen feature on your smartphone to get a copy of your digital road tax, or digital driving licence. Finally, you can also print your digital road tax, or digital driving licence.
How do we show the digital road tax if the car does not belong to the driver?
That’s easy. The digital road tax can be printed and stored in the car. The owner can also share a print screen of the digital road tax with the driver.
In any case, it is not an offence if you cannot show the road tax. The enforcement agencies can check the details in their gadgets.
Why can’t I log into MyJPJ since this morning?
As with any new system, many people are naturally trying to register at the same time. There is very high traffic.
Can we still use the road tax sticker and driving licence card?
Yes, you can still the physical road tax sticker and driving licence. Motorists are offered the option to go digital, or use the physical road tax stickers and driving licence cards.
JPJ and police enforcement officers will be given a smartphone gadget with access to the SmED system. They will use the SmED system to check details of the driver and/or vehicle, using:
car plate number
MyKad number
How long will this interim digitalisation time frame last?
The Transport Ministry will give motorists until the end of 2023 at the very minimum, to register and try out the new digital road tax and digital driving licence.
During this interim period, the digital road tax and digital driving licence are still optional.
How long will this digitalisation process save government money and benefit the people?
The government will save on printing the road tax stickers and physical driving licences. This initiative is expected to save JPJ about RM 96 million a year, and the money saved will be used internally to further develop and upgrade the MyJPJ mobile app.
The public will save money, avoid queuing at JPJ branches, avoid paying third party service providers (like MyEG) or payment gateways, or paying for the delivery of their road tax stickers.
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Malaysia has officially adopted the digital driving licence (e-LLM) for private vehicles owned by Malaysian citizens!
Malaysia Adopts Digital Driving Licence In MyJPJ App!
On Friday, 10 February 2023, Malaysia Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that, effective immediately, Malaysian citizens no longer need to use a physical driving licence (Lesen Memandu Malaysia, or LLM for short).
Effective 10 February 2023, Malaysian citizens can sign up for their e-LLM digital driving licence through the MyJPJ mobile app, which is available in:
Here are two screenshots of the MyJPJ mobile app, showing the digital driving licence and whether it is still valid, or has expired.
In addition to a digital example of the typical physical card, it has a QR code for enforcement officers to verify. So claims by some netizens that this can be easily photoshopped is nonsensical.
Please note that the e-LLM digital driving licences are optional. You can continue to use your physical driving licence. This is merely a new way that gives you access to a digital copy of your driving licence, and your road tax.
This move is part of the broader digitalisation plan for JPJ, which should provide a smoother and faster service to the people.
I welcome all drivers and vehicle owners to transition to the digital platform. With this, the congestion and long lines at JPJ counters will be reduced.
– Malaysia Transport Minister Anthony Loke
Alternatively, motorists can use the JPJ mySIKAP portal to obtain their e-LLM digital driving licence, which can be printed. A screenshot can also be taken of the e-LLM driving licence to be shown to enforcement officers.
However, it is not an offence if you cannot show enforcement officers your digital driving licence. Police and JPJ enforcers can use their own devices to check your driving licence.
Finally, JPJ will continue to offer the physical driving licence to motorists who still prefer it, or need one to drive overseas. These physical cards will be available at JPJ branches.
The alternative methods of using a screenshot and/or printed certificate are useful for drivers who are not tech-savvy. They can get their family members to help them register and print their digital driving licence.
And of course, physical driving licences are still available for those who prefer the “old school” ways, or need them to drive overseas.
Physical Driving Licence Still Required For Some Motorists
Please note that the move to a digital driving licence is currently limited to selected Malaysian citizens. Holders of these driving licences must continue to bring their physical cards.
Learner’s Driving Licence (LDL)
Vocational Driving Licence (PSV / GDL / KON)
Malaysia Driving Licence for Foreigners
Foreign Driving Licence (IDP)
Loke said that enforcement action will continue, and the police and JPJ enforcers will use their own devices to check on the driver’s road tax status.
I want to stress that enforcement action will continue to be taken against anyone found driving a vehicle without a valid motor vehicle or driving licence, in line with the Road Transport Act.
– Malaysia Transport Minister Anthony Loke
e-LLM Digital Driving Licence Initiative : Good Or Bad?
While some people are already complaining about the hassle of opening a mobile app, or printing a physical copy, the move to digitising the driving licence is inevitable.
Digitising the driving licence would mean you can now renew it online, or through the MyJPJ app, saving you time and the hassle of going to a JPJ branch or post office. You can now renew your driving licence from the comfort of your own home / office, at any time of the day!
Moving to a digital driving licence also means you no longer have to worry about losing your physical licence, or paying for a replacement! All that is not only history with the digital driving licence, you can actually print multiple copies!
As for claims that anyone with Photoshop can create their own digital driving licence, any police or JPJ enforcement officer can easily verify if your driving licence is legitimate by checking the JPJ database. That’s why there is now a QR code.
In fact, the digitisation of driving licences will make it easier for enforcement officers. They don’t even need to check your MyJPJ app. They can simply use their own devices to quickly determine if you have a valid driving licence, even if you forgot to bring yours!
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Malaysia has officially adopted the digital motor vehicle licence (e-LKM), removing the need for physical road tax stickers on vehicle windshields!
Malaysia Adopts Digital Road Tax : Windshield Sticker Not Required!
On Friday, 10 February 2023, Malaysia Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that, effective immediately, private vehicles owned by Malaysian citizens no longer need to display their motor vehicle licence (Lesen Kenderaan Motor, or LKM for short), which is colloquially known as the “road tax”.
Effective 10 February 2023, the Malaysia Transport Ministry will no longer enforce Section 20 of the Road Transport Act, which states that motor vehicle licences must be fixed to, and exhibited, on all vehicles.
Any summons issued for not displaying the road tax sticker will be classified as “No Further Action”.
In line with this initiative, the provision under Section 20 of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) where “each vehicle registration licence must be affixed and displayed on the relevant vehicle will no longer be enforced for the category of owners under the first phase.
This exemption will be gazetted under the authority given to the Minister of Transport under Section 127(1)(b) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
This initiative will be implemented in stages, with the first phase involving individual private vehicles, including motorcycles, owned by Malaysians.
– Malaysia Transport Minister Anthony Loke
During this first phase, other vehicles must still display their road tax / motor vehicle licences, including:
private vehicles owned by private companies
private vehicles owned by foreigners
commercial vehicles
public service vehicles
This move is part of the broader digitalisation plan for JPJ, which should provide a smoother and faster service to the people.
I welcome all drivers and vehicle owners to transition to the digital platform. With this, the congestion and long lines at JPJ counters will be reduced.
– Malaysia Transport Minister Anthony Loke
Please note that the e-LKM digital road tax is optional. You can continue to use your physical road tax sticker. This is merely a new way that gives you access to a digital copy of your driving licence, and your road tax.
Private Vehicle Road Tax Now Available Through MyJPJ App!
Please note that this does not mean the road tax has been abolished. You still need to pay for the road tax. It is merely the physical motor vehicle licence that has been abolished.
But do not think you don’t have to pay for your Road Tax anymore. You still have to pay for it
I want to stress that enforcement action will continue to be taken against anyone found driving a vehicle without a valid motor vehicle or driving licence, in line with the Road Transport Act.
– Malaysia Transport Minister Anthony Loke
Instead of physical road tax stickers, motorists will now obtain their digital road tax certificates (e-LKM) through the MyJPJ mobile app, which is available in:
Motorists can also use the app to show enforcement officers their e-LKM digital road tax certificates. However, this is not necessary.
Loke said that it is not an offence if you cannot show enforcement officers your digital road tax certificate. On top of that, the police and JPJ enforcers can use their own devices to check on the vehicle’s road tax status.
Alternatively, motorists can use the JPJ mySIKAP portal to obtain their e-LKM digital road tax certificates, which can be printed. A screenshot can also be taken of the e-LKM to be shown to enforcement officers.
Finally, JPJ will continue to offer the printed sticker to motorists who still prefer to install it on their cars. These printed stickers will be available at JPJ branches.
The alternative methods of using a screenshot and/or printed certificate are useful if the driver is not the actual owner of the car. And of course, the physical road tax stickers are still available for those who prefer the “old school” ways.
e-LKM Digital Road Tax Initiative : Good Or Bad?
While some people are already complaining about the hassle of opening a mobile app, or printing a physical copy, the move to digitising the motor vehicle licence / road tax is inevitable.
Digitising the motor vehicle licence would mean you can now renew it online, or through the MyJPJ app, saving you time and the hassle of going to a JPJ branch and queuing up.
Even if you have to print a physical copy, it is still cheaper than paying for MYEG delivery of the road tax, or actually spending your time and money to get the sticker.
And did you forget what a chore it was to install the road tax sticker every year? We all had to very carefully peel the sticker the right way, or risk tearing it!
All that will be history now that we are moving to digital certificates that we can retrieve online, from the MyJPJ app, or print anytime we want, from the comfort of our own home / office!
As for the claim that the digital motor vehicle certificate will make it easier for people to steal cars – that’s just absurd. People have been stealing vehicles even with a physical road tax sticker. Moving to a digital certificate won’t make it easier for thieves to steal your vehicle!
In fact, now that the road taxes / motor vehicle licences are digitised, it will be easier for enforcement officers as they can now check your vehicle’s validity using their own devices. They no longer need to peek at your road tax sticker.
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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Malaysia Transport Minister Anthony Loke just announced a lorry ban, and that seven major offences will be non-compoundable this Chinese New Year!
CNY 2023 : Traffic Offenders Will Be Sent To Court!
On Wednesday, 17 January 2023, the Transport Minister of Malaysia, Anthony Loke, announced that seven traffic offences will be non-compoundable throughout the Chinese New Year festive season.
Motorists who commit these seven offences will no longer be allowed to just pay a fine, but will instead be referred to the courts.
Cutting queue
Overtaking on double lines
Running the red light
Driving over the speed limit
Using mobile phones while driving
Not wearing a seat belt or helmet
Driving on the emergency lane
The seven major traffic offenses are cutting queue, overtaking on double lines, disobeying the red light signal, driving over the speed limit, use of mobile phones while driving, not wearing a seat belt or helmet and driving on the emergency lane.
There will be no compound issues for these offences. Offenders will be referred to court.
To ensure stricter enforcement this year, about 2,000 JPJ enforcement officers will be deployed this Chinese New Year to reduce accidents and deaths.
He also announced that lorries and other heavy vehicles will be banned from the roads during the Chinese New Year festive season to reduce traffic congestion. The ban on heavy vehicles will last four days:
two days from January 20 to 21
two days from January 24 to 25
This prohibition is intended to avoid the risk of road accidents due to mixed traffic flow between heavy vehicles and light vehicles on the road, highways, apart from avoiding traffic jams.
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Is it true that rear passengers caught not wearing a seat belt on the PLUS North-South Expressway will receive a RM300 fine?
Find out what’s going on, and what the FACTS really are!
Claim : RM300 Seat Belt Fine By Police On PLUS Highway!
These viral messages have been circulating on SMS, WhatsApp and Facebook since early January 2021, but keep getting reposted every holiday season.
🙏. INFORMATION🙏
The North-South Expressway PLUS starts today, and police officers will check every day in the evening~ The passengers in the back seat with no seat belt, will be fined RM300 per person, RM600 for two people.
👉 Please do update friends & family members to be alert & pay attention in this matter.
👉 Just now a lot of cars have been issued with fines.
👉 Please notify everyone going out to remember to wear a seat belt at the back seat.
Just received and send.
南北高速 PLUS 今天开工，警察每天晚上都会检查～后排座位上的乘客没有系安全带，将被罚款。每人 300 令吉，两个人 RM600“.
The North-South Expressway PLUS starting today, PDRM will check vehicles~ Passengers in the rear seats who are not wearing seat belts will be fined. RM300 per person, RM600 for two persons.
The Truth : There Is No RM300 Seat Belt Fine
The truth is there is no RM300 fine for rear passengers who are caught not wearing a seat belt.
Fact #1 : JSPT Refuted RM300 Seat Belt Fine Claim
The Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) refuted the claim that they would be checking cars travelling on the PLUS North-South Expressway in the evenings, and issuing a RM300 fine for those caught not wearing a seat belt at the back.
The JSPT Deputy Director SAC Datuk Mohd Nadzri Hussain said, “We at JSPT would like to advise all road users to continue complying with the laws and regulations to ensure the safety of every road user.”
“In addition, we would also like to urge the public to stop spreading fake information and to always ensure the validity of any viral information shared on social media sites.”
Fact #2 : Rear Seat Belt Mandatory Since 1 January 2009
It has been mandatory in Malaysia to wear a seat belt while seated in the back seat of a vehicle since 1 January 2009, except for :
old vehicles registered before 1 January 1995
vehicles registered on or after 1 January 1995, but lack rear anchorage points
vehicles that seat more than 8 passengers (not including driver)
good vehicles with carrying load of more than 3.5 tonnes
Fact #3 : Seat Belt Fine Is Way More Than RM300
Any driver or passengers, whether seated in the front or rear, caught not wearing a seat belt will be subject to :
a fine of up to RM 2,000, and / or
a prison sentence of up to 1 year
As you can see – that’s a LOT higher than the RM300 fine in the viral messages.
Fact #4 : RM300 Seat Belt Fine “Offer” Ended In 2009
The RM300 seat belt fine was actually a discounted offer for a 6-month introductory period when the seat belt law came into effect.
From 1 January until 30 June 2009 – the police and JPJ only issued a reduced RM300 fine to those who were caught no wearing a seat belt.
That “introductory fine” had long expired, so drivers are now subject to the much higher penalties.
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Both H&M and the police are investigating how a hidden camera was used to record videos of people in a fitting room and then sold online!
Hidden Camera Allegedly Used To Record Videos In H&M Fitting Room!
The H&M fitting room hidden camera scandal exploded on Wednesday, 11 January 2023, after a Twitter user called Nishea (@meleisgw) exposed a private group that was allegedly selling four videos showing couples inside a fitting room.
The video footage appeared to be taken from above the fitting room by a hidden camera, and the videos allegedly showed shoppers undressing and trying on clothes, as well as couples hugging and/or engaging in sexual activities.
The four videos have now leaked, and are being sold through social media and Telegram groups for about RM20 to RM30 (US$4.50 to RM6.80) for the full set. That may seem “cheap”, but it’s because so many people have them already.
If you are thinking of buying these videos, don’t. You are more than likely to get scammed. And will you report to the police that you were cheated of money while trying to buy illegally-recorded videos of people in a fitting room?
One of the victims reached out to Nishea, and confirmed that the incident happened at the H&M store in the Avenue K mall in October 2022. The victim also said that she used the furthest most stall on the left of the fitting room.
She verified her story by showing her receipt of her clothes purchase on that day, and a photo of herself wearing the same clothes. A second victim also reached out to Nishea after that.
Both H&M and the police are now investigating the case.
H&M Fitting Room Hidden Camera Under Investigation!
After the incident erupted on social media, H&M addressed the issue, stating:
In response to recent concerns about hidden cameras in H&M fitting rooms, we have conducted an inspection of the fitting rooms in all H&M stores in Malaysia and are working to ensure that there are no security breaches that will compromise the privacy of our customers, as their safety is of utmost importance to us. All findings to date have been reported to the police, and investigations are currently ongoing.
The security manager of the Avenue K mall also lodged a police report over the matter at the Dang Wangi police station.
Assistant Police Commissioner OCPD Noor Delihan Yahya said that the police searched the H&M store but did not find any camera, and believe that the footage could have been recorded in a different location.
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is now investigating the case under Section 509 of the Penal Code for intentionally insulting the modesty of any woman by word, through sound, gesture, or object.
Here is our English translation of their press release on the matter.
On 11/01/2023 at approximately 0900hrs, one (1) 11-second video was uploaded by the owner of the Nishae Twitter account which shows the video recording from a hidden camera of the dressing room of a shopping center in the link https://twitter.com/meleisaw/status/1612094210810998785.
On 09/01/2023 at approximately 1638hrs, the Criminal Investigation Department of the Dang Wangi police headquarters, Kuala Lumpur received a police report regarding the incident. Preliminary investigations are underway to identify the date and location of the incident. The act is an offense under Section 509 of the Penal Code.
H&M Fitting Room Hidden Camera : Past Incident In China
This isn’t the first time H&M shoppers were targeted by hidden cameras in its fitting rooms.
Back in July 2017, a shopper called Chu spotted a hidden camera while changing her clothes inside a fitting room in the H&M store in Zhongshan, the south Guangdong province in China.
The camera was linked to a white plastic box behind the curtain on the other side of the door. The police later claimed that several other fitting rooms were also suspected to be fitted with hidden cameras.
However, I should point out that hidden cameras are a risk everywhere, not just in H&M fitting rooms, or any fashion outlet for the matter. It’s a risk in public toilets and even hotel rooms.
What we should learn about this is to be more aware of what’s around us in any room that is accessible to the public, even if it has a door and a lock.
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Are criminals using new push pocket tactics to target foreigners and tourists in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia?!
Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!
Claim : KL Criminals Are Using New Push Pocket Tactics!
People are sharing this message about the new Push Pocket crimes in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia!
It’s a long message, so feel free to skip to the next section for the facts.
Genuine message posted by a law firm in Malaysia. If you’re going to KL, take note!
PUSH-POCKET IN KUALA LUMPUR
I am sure you all have heard of ‘pick pocket’. A new trend ‘push pocket’. Read on.. for your own good.
A few days ago a new type of crime has surfaced in town. It goes something like this:-
Somebody slips a hand-phone into your pocket, sometimes it could be just a wallet with an identity card and a few ringgit.
A few minutes later, the ‘owner’ comes up and confronts you, the ‘thief ‘. He makes a big commotion that you stole his stuff.
You, caught unaware, are then pulled aside by the ‘owner’ for a settlement. You are intimidated and threatened that if you do not pay up the police will be brought in. If you pay up, this ‘owner’ lets you go. If not, the police are brought in.
Another strange thing is that there always seems to be a ‘witness’ to your ‘theft’.
I am told this often happens to foreigners at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) or even at LRT trains. Given that you’re ‘guilty until proven innocent’ as far as the Malaysian police are concerned, I understand some poor people are in jail forthese ‘offences’.
At the KLIA, the ‘owner’ throws his hand-phone and wallet with the few ringgit notes into the luggage trolley of a just arrived passenger. The drama unfolds a few minutes later. The real culprit has easily convinced our Malaysian police to arrest the real victim (if he has not paid up the ‘settlement’ demand). This is a very serious matter.
This is another form of extortionists operating in broad daylight. They are disgusting criminals who will do anything to rob and steal. The sickening part of the whole scenario is that unless you pay the ‘quoted settlement’ money, they will put you in real trouble by calling the police.
The real culprit gets back his hand-phone and wallet but the real victim ( i.e.. could be any one of us) is thrown into the police lock up and charged in court.
So do be very careful, otherwise you may end up as a ‘thief’ as you have no way to prove your innocence.
Pass it on….. Let more people be aware of such things around them.
Truth : KL Criminals Are Not Using New Push Pocket Tactics!
This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and here are the reasons why…
Fact #1 : Push Pocket Is A Form Of Extortion
The so-called Push Pocket tactic is nothing new. It is a type of extortion scam, in which the criminal accuses the victim of being a thief – in a reversal of the usual pickpocket tactic.
A similar kind of tactic, called Zig-Zag, was reportedly being used in airports in Thailand, where tourists were allegedly accused of shoplifting in duty-free shops, and had to pay fees to avoid arrest.
Fact #2 : Viral Push Pocket Message Date Back To 2008
This viral message about the push pocket scam in Kuala Lumpur isn’t new. As far as I can tell, it dates back to at least 2008, when it was even shared on TripAdvisor by worried tourists.
It was given some prominence when The Star asked people to “beware of the push pocket scam” in October 2009. Since then, it has been reposted regularly in forums, on social media platforms, and WhatsApp groups.
Fact #3 : PDRM Has Received No Reports On Such Scams
After the message went viral again in January 2023, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) chimed in on the controversy on January 4, 2023.
PDRM secretary, Deputy Commissioner Datuk Norsiah Mohd Saaduddin said that checks showed PDRM has never received any report about such scams.
The public are urged to not fall for messages that have no basis and are not verified. Sharing or spreading such news can cause unrest and worry amongst the public.
Frankly speaking, it is improbable for such crimes to be committed, at least in airports and LRT or MRT stations, because they are covered by CCTV cameras. Malaysia is also not a lawless country, where police officers are blatantly corrupt and turn a blind eye to such crimes.
If a foreigner is accused of stealing from a local resident, the police in Malaysia will investigate and the CCTV footage will show that the foreign tourist did not steal anything.
And if there’s no CCTV footage, it doesn’t mean the foreign tourist gets jailed automatically. That means there is no evidence the foreign tourist stole the item, and therefore, the police have no right to arrest him/her.
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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
PDRM is reminding all motorists to ensure that their cars’ third brake light is working, or they could be subject to a fine or jail time!
PDRM : Jail / Fine If Third Brake Light Not Working!
On 18 December 2022, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) issued a new reminder to all motorists in light of the monsoon season’s heavy rains.
PDRM wants all drivers to ensure that their cars’ third brake light is fully functional, or they could face a fine or even jail time.
Drivers who fail to ensure that their vehicles have a working third brake light can be charged under Section 119(2) of the Road Transportation Act 1987. If convicted, they would be subject to:
a fine of up to RM 2,000, or
jail of not more than six months.
PDRM issued this warning and reminder as vehicles that do not have a working third brake light will pose a danger at night and when it rains – other drivers won’t be aware of when you brake, and could end up hitting your car in the back.
Many motorists take the third brake light for granted, thinking it’s an “extra” or “backup” light to supplement the existing brake lights. That’s not true – it has been shown to reduce rear-ended accidents by 50%!
The third brake light is often located at the top or bottom of your car’s rear windshield, or on the car’s spoiler in some cases. It only lights up whenever you step on the brake pedal, making it clear to the driver behind you that you are braking.
In addition, the third brake light’s central and elevated position makes it easier for drivers behind you to spot, especially in poor lighting conditions, or when they are driving close to your car.
This really helps to cut down on rear-ended accidents, and is why the third brake light is mandatory in all new vehicles in most countries worldwide.
Whenever you send your vehicle for servicing, the mechanic will usually check all of your lights. But it is also important to check your lights once in a while, as they can potentially fail at any time.
The easiest way to check if your third brake light is working, is to get someone else to look at it while you step on the brake pedal.
But if you are alone, you can reverse your car against a wall, so you can see the third brake light reflecting off the wall when you step on the brake pedal.
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) just announced roadblocks across Malaysia, that will stay until further notice!
PDRM Creates Roadblocks Across Malaysia!
This message has gone viral on WhatsApp and social media, claiming that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) setup roadblocks across the country.
It’s a long post (my English translation in bold), so feel free to skip to the next section for the facts.
Roadblock 24jam 24 hour roadblocks
Area sentul Sentul area -sentul Pasar -batu 3
Area kajang Kajang area -besraya -sg. Ramal
Area PJ PJ area -tmn kanagapuram jln klang lama -kawasan sunway pjs7 -Tol kota damansara
Area banting Banting area -petronas sg manggis
Area klang selatan South Klang area -bawah jambatan port klang
Area Ampang Ampang area -dpn Ampang point -jln Utama pandan jaya menghala ke KL
Area cheras Cheras area -shell permaisuri -Pemaisuri dekat MAWIP Cheras -Sirim bukit jalil -Taman shamelin
Area subang Subang area -TOL SEAFIELD -TOL PUTRA HEIGHT -TOL USJ -TOL BUKIT PUCHONG
Area Shah alam Shah Alam area -TOL SHAH ALAM
Area Serdang Serdang area -JALAN PASAR BORONG -JALAN SERDANG RAYA MAYBANK
Assalamualaikum semua. untuk makluman. roadblock besar-besaran akan di buat di setiap daerah di seluruh negara start malam ni sampai bila tak tahu. berikutan isu semasa👍🏼
Greetings everyone, for your information, massive roadblocks will be created in every district throughout the country starting tonight until don’t know when. Follow the current issues 👍🏼
After today’s decision there might be some turbulence in the air especially if expected & propaganda goverment is not favored
While I cannot confirm that the list of those roadblocks is correct, I can confirm that the PDRM has set-up roadblocks in every district across Malaysia.
At 10:14 AM on 23 November 2022, the Malaysia Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani issued a press statement, stating that (my English translation in bold) :
Beginning 22 November, 2022 until a time to be determined, PORM will launch road blocks at strategic locations in every district, across the country on a 24-hour basis.
The establishment of the roadblocks is part of PDRM’s crime prevention efforts through increasing the level of omnipresence to guarantee public safety and order.
For the comfort of road users and to ensure smooth traffic flow, the roadblocks will not operational during peak hours / daytime. The public is requested to cooperate with orders given at the roadblocks, especially outside of peak hours.
The community does not need to worry about carrying out daily activities because PDRM guarantees that public safety is under control.
BERMULA 22 NOVEMBER 2022 SEHINGGA SATU MASA DITETAPKAN, PORM AKAN MELANCARKAN SEKATAN JALAN RAYA (SJR) DI LOKASI-LOKASI STRATEGIK DI SETIAP DAERAH, DI SELURUH NEGARA SECARA PENUGASAN 24 JAM.
LANGKAH MENDIRIKAN SJR IN ADALAH SEBAHAGIAN DARIPADA USAHA PDRM MENCEGAH JENAYAH MELALUI PENINGKATAN TAHAP OMNIPRESENCE BAGI MENJAMIN TAHAP KESELAMATAN DAN KETENTERAMAN AWAM. DEMI KESELESAAN PENGGUNA JALAN RAYA DAN KELANCARAN LALU LINTAS, TIADA HALANGAN SJR AKAN DIJALANKAN PADA WAKTU PUNCAK / SIANG HARI, ORANG RAMAI DIMINTA MEMBERIKAN KERJASAMA DALAM MEMATUHI ARAHAN YANG DIBERIKAN KETIKA MELALUI SJR, TERUTAMANYA DI LUAR WAKTU PUNCAK.
MASYARAKAT TIDAK PERLU BIMBANG UNTUK MENJALANKAN AKTIVITI HARIAN KERANA PDRM MEMBERI JAMINAN BAHAWA TAHAP KESELAMATAN ADALAH TERKAWAL
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
