KUALA LUMPUR: A syndicate selling "protection stickers" has been exposed, targeting heavy vehicle operators seeking to evade fines and inspections during roadblocks.
According to a report by Utusan Malaysia, some lorry drivers purchase these stickers, priced from RM1,000 per vehicle, to avoid penalties or legal action.
The stickers, marked with unique codes and designs, are attached to vehicles to signal corrupt enforcement officers of their "protection" status.
These stickers allow heavy vehicles, including trailers and tipper lorries, to bypass inspections even when committing offences such as overloading.
Prices vary based on vehicle weight and operational zones, with some operators buying multiple stickers to ensure coverage in different areas.
A lorry driver representative, who requested anonymity, claimed the syndicate, allegedly involving insiders within enforcement agencies, could earn up to RM10,000 monthly per operator.
He said that operators with fleets of 10 lorries might pay syndicates RM100,000 monthly for immunity.
"This setup means that if there are 10 such operators in a zone, the syndicate could rake in RM100,000 monthly.
"These stickers often feature designs like an eagle symbol with specific codes. When syndicate members or enforcement officers spot the sticker, they recognise that the lorry has 'paid' and allow it to pass without inspection. The primary users of these stickers are trailers and tipper lorries.
"This has been happening for years. As long as the sticker is displayed, the lorry can pass through roadblocks, regardless of its offence," he said.
He said operators often negotiate separately with syndicates in other zones if vehicles travelled beyond their usual routes, adding to costs.
"For instance, if a driver typically operates in Klang but unexpectedly enters Petaling Jaya, they might still be stopped despite having the sticker. This is because the sticker they purchased is only recognised by the Klang syndicate.
"In such situations, the operator must negotiate separately with the Petaling Jaya syndicate to obtain similar privileges for that area," he explained.
Unlike the cheaper tonto services — illegal informants who alert drivers to roadblocks — these stickers provide broader convenience, enabling uninterrupted travel despite higher costs.
Meanwhile, a representative from the taxi industry said that private vehicle owners, including taxi operators, did not use these "immunity" stickers.
He said that, at present, the service appeared to be limited to heavy vehicles like lorries.