Head of the Public Complaints and Services Bureau of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), Datuk Seri Michael Chong (third from left), with the victims during a press conference on a fake accident case at Wisma MCA. - NSTP/AMIRUDIN SAHIB
KUALA LUMPUR: A scam syndicate staging accidents to extort money from women drivers has been reportedly on the prowl in Puchong, with over 27 cases reported in just one month.
Recently, two victims came forward to share their experience during a press conference organised by the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department today.
The first victim, known only as Chong, 47, related her ordeal through her sister in-law named Yim, 59.
Yim said Chong, 47, was making a right turn at a junction after checking the road was clear when her car was suddenly struck on the left side by a sports utility vehicle.
“She panicked because her child was in the car. The man then grabbed an umbrella from a nearby Japanese restaurant and started hitting her bumper with it,” Yim said.
Chong, who was shaken by the incident, contacted Yim to assist her. Upon arriving, they attempted to lodge a report, but the sports utility vehicle driver insisted on settling the matter privately.
He claimed that he was rushing back to Penang due to his pregnant girlfriend and did not want to be delayed by police procedures.
“He initially asked for RM2,000, but after about 20 minutes of back and forth, the amount was reduced to RM500,” Yim said.
Chong was later shocked to discover on social media that the same sports utility vehicle bearing the number plate VCT 180 was involved in at least two other similar collisions on the same day in April 20.
In another case, a woman known only as Chow was reversing her car on April 7 when it accidentally knocked into a white multipurpose vehicle with the number plate NDN 9927.
“The driver came out and asked how we could settle it privately. When I said I would lodge a police report, he tried to dissuade me, saying it would result in a RM300 summons,” Chow said.
After some negotiation, the driver lowered his demand from RM2,000 to RM150. Later, when Chow talked about the incident with a friend, she was shocked to find out that the same car with the same number plate had been involved in a similar case.
The MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong said the syndicate’s modus operandi involves targeting women often alone or with children in quiet areas.
They deliberately caused minor accidents and immediately pressured the victims to pay compensation.
“Victims are urged to avoid police involvement and are emotionally manipulated, often being told the scammer is in a rush due to a pregnant partner or a need to return to Penang.”
To date, 21 cases had been reported in Kuala Lumpur and five in Johor Baru. The suspected vehicles involved a Proton Saga (WTF 6865), Honda Jazz (NDN 9927) and Honda HR-V (VCT 180).
“Many victims expressed frustration not only over the money lost, but also over having to bear the cost of repairing their own vehicles and in some cases, facing traffic fines for failing to report the incident promptly,” he added.
Chong said the scam amounts ranged between RM150 and RM1,500, and many victims opted to pay simply to avoid further complications.
Commenting on the matter, MCA Selangor Public Services and Complaints Bureau head and lawyer Ivan Tan said a similar case occurred last year involving a motorcyclist.
“The suspect in that case was charged under Section 384 of the Penal Code for extortion and sentenced to 11 months in prison,” he said.
Regarding the current spate of cases, Ivan reminded the public that accident reports could be lodged at any police station, regardless of the location of the incident.
“It doesn’t matter if the accident happened in Selangor, the report can still be lodged in Penang or anywhere else. Police stations remain open and accessible to all,” he said.
Authorities urge members of the public to remain vigilant and to lodge police reports promptly if they suspect they have fallen victim to similar scams.
Source: NewStraitsTimes
2025-05-20T16:00:00Z