Hong Kong Free - 20140516 - Jum’at

Federal traffic police chief SAC Mohd Fuad Abd Latiff today warned that it is illegal for the public to act as "marshalls" to stop vehicles to facilitate movement of private convoys.

"There is no law stipulated anywhere that members of the public can wear a vest and stop vehicles, although they may guide a convoy of vehicles," he said.

These marshalls are usually seen stopping vehicles when there is a convoy following a hearse, wedding car or when there is a motorcycle convoy.

Mohd Fuad said if the presence of a marshall is required, it has to be sought from the police, such as at events like Le Tour De Langkawi and the Jelajah Malaysia cycling event.

He added that action will be taken under Section 21 (3) Police Act or Section 79(2) Transport Road Act against any individual or groups found acting as marshalls without the presence of traffic police personnel.

On another matter, Mohd Fuad also said police will act against owners of vehicles with heavily-tinted windows and registration number plates that do not conform with specifications.

"The heavy tinting of (windows) makes it difficult for us to identify who is inside the car, especially when we are in search of crime suspects," he added.

Mohd Fuad said they would give a one-month grace period for vehicle owners to comply with the regulations before taking action against them.

Starting June 16, he said, the police and Road Transport Department (RTD) will hold a nationwide operation called Ops Cermin Gelap to nab errant vehicle owners who will be slapped with a fine of RM300.

Mohd Fuad said the existing rules for tinting requires a minimum of 70% light penetration for the front windscreen and 50% for other windows, including the rear windshield but some car manufacturers had pre-installed tints with a rating of only 15% on its vehicles.

He also said the vehicle number plate specifications can be viewed on the RTD website.

(sumber)