Slapping Incident Involving Policeman Occurred During Anti-Mat Rempit Op

JOHOR BAHRU, Jan 13 (Bernama) -- Police have confirmed that the incident of a man being slapped by a policeman at a petrol station in Taman Perling last Sunday occurred during a traffic operation and is believed to have been a spontaneous reaction.

Johor Police Chief CP Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the officer, who was on leave at the time, had been called back to duty to assist in an operation against "mat rempit" (illegal street racers) in the area.

“During the incident, the North Johor Bahru district police headquarters was conducting a motorcycle operation to combat illegal racing, and the policeman involved was among those assisting.

“He had attempted to stop the motorcycle, but the rider tried to flee. The slapping incident may have been a spur of the moment reaction. Although he was on leave, he was called to assist due to manpower constraints,” he told a press conference at the Johor police contingent headquarters here today.

Ab Rahaman said police lodged the initial report after a video of the incident went viral on social media, and the victim, 21, subsequently lodged a on the same night, adding that statements from four individuals, including witnesses and the policeman involved, have been taken and that several other individuals would be called soon.

Police are also reviewing the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from the incident location for further information, Ab Rahaman said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt, and further action will be taken in accordance with Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) procedures once the investigation is complete.

He said the officer has not been suspended but is barred from participating in field operations until the probe is finalised.

“For now, he is performing normal duties as the investigation is ongoing. Suspension can only be implemented when there is solid evidence and a court charge,” he said.

Last Sunday, a 33-second video went viral on social media showing a motorcyclist with a female pillion rider being slapped by a man, believed to be a policeman, at a petrol station.

-- BERNAMA