The police have identified several groups operating illegal traffic vehicle escort services in the city, with some even making a bolder move by impersonating as traffic police.

Kuala Lumpur Traffic Police chief ACP Mohd Nadzri Hussain said the irresponsible quarters had been offering their 'services' for as low as RM300 per trip.

"Based on information (gathered) and interrogation of suspects who were detained before, they got paid very handsomely.

"Imagine if one trip is charged at RM300. How much can they earn in a day?" asked Mohd Nadzri during an interview with Bernama recently.

He said a total of five individuals, aged between 26 and 38, had been detained so far, from January until early this month, for their involvement in the activity.

"There was a case where a suspect was detained while riding a high-powered Honda CBX 750 motorcycle, which is similar to the motorcycles being used by the traffic police.

"Apart from that, some have been using (ordinary) cars and sounding the siren just like how the (traffic) police do (when escorting)," he said.

Mohd Nadzri said the clientele for the groups comprised individuals and dignitaries (VIPs).

"We are still investigating on how they solicit their clients. They are behaving like thugs on the road. They stopped cars, blocked the traffic and caused traffic congestion.

"These groups are not equipped with the knowledge concerning escorting vehicles and (instead) they cause anger to other road users," he said.

Mohd Nadzri said the police were now looking at the activity seriously due to the danger it posed to people.

"There is no law that gives the right to the public to stop (other vehicles) and give way (to themselves). Only the traffic police are authorised to do so," he said.

He said even the traffic police must undergo periodic training to improve themselves in escort duties.

"In order to obtain (their) license, the traffic police must attend a month course. There is no way civilians without proper training can suddenly operate such activity," he said.

Mohd Nadzri said such activity had tarnished the police image as they were likely to be blamed in case of accidents.

"Imagine if there is an accident during the (illegal) escort. Of course, the public will point their fingers at the police.

"This is what we have been trying to avoid. I have instructed our personnel to monitor this activity in the capital city and detain those who are involved," he said.

He said all activities pertaining to vehicle escort by the traffic police were recorded.

"Therefore, we will know every movement of our traffic police wherever they are," he said.

He said those operating the activity could be investigated under Section 170 of the Penal Code for impersonating a police personnel which provided a jail term of up to four years or fine or both, if found guilty.