Johor police confirm slapping incident by an off-duty officer was a spontaneous reaction during an anti-illegal racing operation, with investigation ongoing.
JOHOR BAHRU: Police have confirmed an incident where a man was slapped by a policeman at a petrol station occurred during a traffic operation.
Johor Police Chief CP Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad (pic) said the officer was on leave but was called back to assist in an operation against illegal street racers, known as “mat rempit”.
“The slapping incident may have been a spur of the moment reaction,” he told a press conference at the Johor police contingent headquarters.
He explained the officer had attempted to stop a motorcycle whose rider tried to flee.
A report was lodged after a video of the incident went viral on social media.
The 21-year-old victim subsequently lodged a report on the same night.
Statements from four individuals, including witnesses and the policeman, have been recorded.
Police are reviewing CCTV footage from the incident location for further information.
The case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt.
Further action will follow Royal Malaysia Police procedures once the investigation is complete.
The officer has not been suspended but is barred from field operations until the probe is finalised.
“For now, he is performing normal duties as the investigation is ongoing,” Ab Rahaman said.
He added suspension can only be implemented when there is solid evidence and a court charge.
A 33-second video showing the incident went viral on social media last Sunday.
The video showed a motorcyclist with a female pillion rider being slapped at a petrol station.
