RTD rubbishes allegations staff behaved like hooligans

PUTRAJAYA: The Road Transport Department (RTD) has rubbished recent allegations on social media that several of its enforcement staff behaved like hooligans by smashing the window of a lorry in order to get information from its driver.
In a statement here today, its corporate and strategic planning division said the department was disappointed with the false accusations hurled against its staff, who were merely carrying out their duties to ensure the safety of road users.
The incident occurred on Feb 22 at 1.15pm at the KM29 Jalan Johor Bahru-Kota Tinggi.
According to the staff on duty, the RTD spotted a lorry heading towards Johor Baru and suspected its load of exceeding the permitted limit.
"The RTD team tailed the lorry before ordering it to stop at the road shoulder," according to the statement, adding that when the staff went to check the vehicle, its driver hid and locked the doors.
It said the RTD personnel subsequently found the driver hiding behind the curtain of one of the lorry's rear windows.
"The driver refused to cooperate when the staff requested to see his permit and related documents. The driver then accused the RTD staff of smashing the window when in reality, it loosen and fell to the ground but was not broken."
According to the statement, the RTD has lodged a police report on threats made by the lorry driver which could pose a danger to the staff and their families.
The RTD also urged the public not to be taken in by any story, posting or news without checking its veracity. — Bernama