A tourist has claimed that a routine e hailing ride in Kuala Lumpur turned into a tense encounter with police officers, who allegedly demanded to see a passport and repeatedly hinted at a private “settlement”.
The incident was shared on Facebook page 波德申与圣淘沙 and has since sparked discussion online.
Stopped on the way to KLCC
According to the post, the tourist had booked an e hailing ride to KLCC. Not long after getting into the car, the driver suddenly pulled over.
Thinking they had arrived because the destination was nearby and there was no intention to walk the remaining distance, the tourist began preparing to pay the fare.
The driver then stepped out of the vehicle. Shortly after, a police officer approached and asked to see the tourist’s passport.
The tourist explained that only a photo of the passport was available on the phone. The officer reportedly said that was acceptable and proceeded to check it.
Questioned over passport photo and documents
After viewing the photo, the officer allegedly said that the tourist did not resemble the passport picture.
To verify identity, the tourist recited passport details from memory. The officer then said the original passport was required to check entry and exit records.
The tourist explained that the passport was not carried at the time but could be retrieved from the hotel.
At that point, the officer allegedly instructed the tourist to apply for a residence permit.
The tourist clarified that the visit was for tourism purposes and even offered to show a travel itinerary. The officer reportedly declined and told the tourist to get out of the car and follow him to the police station, claiming a law had been broken.
“You will be fined and go to jail”
After paying the driver and stepping out of the vehicle, the officer allegedly warned that the tourist would face a fine and imprisonment.
When the tourist said there was no knowledge of such a law, the officer again demanded the passport.
The tourist repeated that only a photo was available and suggested returning to the hotel together or waiting for a friend to deliver the original document.
The officer allegedly refused and insisted on going to the police station immediately.
However, despite repeatedly saying they would head to the station, the officers did not move.
Instead, the tourist claimed they kept repeating the phrase, “You help me, I help you,” while stressing that a law had been violated.
Refused translator and phone translation
The situation reportedly grew more confusing when the officers began speaking in a mix of Malay and English, which the tourist said was difficult to understand.
The tourist offered to call hotel staff to assist with translation, but this was allegedly refused.
A request to use a phone translation app was also rejected.
According to the post, one officer then said the tourist would go to jail but added that he wanted to help.
Sensing that the conversation was heading toward a monetary demand, the tourist allegedly responded by saying that if money was being requested, it should be stated clearly. The tourist added that no cash was on hand and suggested going to an ATM instead.
Felt something was not right
The tourist said suspicion grew when the officers repeatedly mentioned going to the police station but did not actually proceed.
The post also claimed that earlier in the encounter, the officer had communicated clearly in English. Later, the officer allegedly began mixing languages and acted as though there was difficulty understanding the tourist.
The tourist eventually managed to leave the scene.
What do you think about this? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
READ ALSO:
