UK-based couple, Chris and Marianne, collectively known as Tread The Globe on YouTube, documented their recent adventures during a road trip in Malaysia. A clip from their latest vlog, titled “UK Van Lifers STOPPED By The Police In MALAYSIA” has swiftly gone viral online for all the wrong reasons. They probably thought they were given a more convenient way to settle their fine

While on the road, the couple was pulled over by the traffic police for alleged speeding. Marianne, who was in the driver’s seat, was told by a traffic policeman that she was speeding over the area limit of 60km/h.

“Oh my gosh, where was the sign? Just here?” asked a surprised Marianne. She then apologised for the transgression, and tried to explain that she was confused by “a sign that had a cross on it”.

Upon asking about their next course of action, Marianne was told by the policeman that he would be issuing them a summon. Here’s where things get sketchy, though.

“I issue summon for you and you pay at police station. Can? Or pay here? (sic)” said the traffic policeman.

“It’s up to you, which is normal?” replied Marianne.

The policeman then followed up with: “Pay at police station 300RM. Pay here, 100RM.”

Hold up — a discounted rate?

At this point, a seasoned driver on the roads of Malaysia might have been clued in on this traffic policeman’s motives. Unfortunately, it’s likely that this couple has no idea.

Thinking that they were being given an alternative option that allowed them to save some cash, Marianne immediately agreed to pay 100RM on the spot. 

Chris handed over the money, while Marianne asked: “Do you need to see our paperwork?”

“No no no. Done,” answered the policeman, who quickly went on his way. Unbeknownst to him, the entire exchange was caught on the couple’s camera, which was resting on the dashboard the whole time.

“We sat there processing what just happened. Were we speeding? Maybe we were. I guess if we were, then having the opportunity to pay a lower cash rate and not drive to the police station and get points was a great option. But were we actually speeding? I guess that’s one thing we’ll just never know,” said Chris in voiceover.

For those not in the know, the fine for speeding in Malaysia is indeed 300RM, but the amount is non-negotiable and can be paid through several authorised services, including an online portal and physical kiosk.

Malaysian netizens were understandably upset with the incident

The incident has since infuriated many Malaysians, most of whom expressed their disappointment and regret at the traffic police’s actions. Many have also taken to the couple’s vlog to apologise for the embarrassing encounter.

“This is wrong on so many levels. I hope you guys can provide the recording towards our authorities so that stern actions can be taken towards him,” read one comment.

Others were also apologetic about the police’s “cheap attitude” and “shameful actions”.

According to Malaysian news site FMT, the video is now under investigation by the federal police. Azman Ahmad Sapri, the director of Bukit Aman’s traffic enforcement and investigation department has also promised a thorough investigation, adding that they “will not tolerate any wrongdoing by the personnel involved”.