Johor police record 40 statements on new toll rate CIQ protest

Police has recorded 40 statements from various individuals to assist in investigations in connection with the protest at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex here last Friday following the imposing of new toll rates. Johor police chief Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff said a special team led by Johor Criminal Investigation chief Datuk Hasnan Hassan had been formed to investigate the case and identify those involved, including the mastermind and organiser. "We (police) have recorded 40 statements and the investigation papers will be completed soon to be submitted to the deputy public prosecutor," he told reporters at the Johor police contingent headquarters here today. Mohd Mokhtar said police would take legal action against them in accordance with the various acts, including under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 and Road Transport Act 1987. He advised all road users to always adhere to the regulations and not take the laws into their own hands such as obstructing traffic as a protest against the new toll rates. In the Aug 1 incident, 200 bus drivers refused to enter Singapore causing a massive traffic congestion at the CIQ complex from 4 am for four hours causing thousands of stranded workers to walk across the causeway to catch a bus at Woodlands. Effective Aug 1, Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) imposed new toll rates entering the CIQ Complex for class 1 to class 5 vehicles at RM9.70, RM14.70, RM19.70, RM4.80 and RM7.80 and from the CIQ at RM6.80, RM10.20, RM13.60, RM3.40 and RM5.50. Police have issued about 100 summonses to factory bus drivers who obstructed traffic at the CIQ Complex, here on Aug 1 following the imposition of new toll rates.