These stickers apparently help the lorries avoid fines at roadblocks from RM1,000 a month
A syndicate selling “protection stickers” to heavy vehicle operators has been exposed, revealing a widespread scheme that helps drivers evade fines and roadblock inspections. According to an investigative report by Utusan Malaysia, the stickers, which are sold for prices starting from RM1,000 per vehicle, allow lorry drivers to bypass penalties and avoid legal action during routine checks by enforcement officers.

These unique stickers, which feature special designs and codes, serve as signals to corrupt enforcement personnel that the vehicle is under “protection.” By displaying the sticker, vehicles, including trailers and tipper lorries, can pass through inspections, even when committing offences such as overloading or lacking necessary permits.
Moreover, the price of these protection stickers varies depending on factors like the weight of the vehicle and the operational zones in which it travels. In some cases, operators purchase multiple stickers to cover different areas, ensuring they can avoid detection no matter where they are. This practice has been reported to be a significant source of income for the syndicate.
A representative from the lorry driver community, who requested anonymity, shared that syndicates could earn up to RM10,000 monthly per operator. Large fleet operators with up to 10 lorries could pay as much as RM100,000 a month for this illegal immunity. The stickers often feature symbols such as an eagle or other recognizable designs, along with specific codes that signal to corrupt enforcement officers that the vehicle is protected.

On top of that, as long as the sticker is visible, the vehicle is typically allowed to pass without inspection, regardless of any infractions. This illicit system primarily affects trailers and tipper lorries, which are commonly used for transporting heavy loads. In some cases, operators need to negotiate with different syndicates when traveling across various regions.
For example, a lorry operating in Klang might be stopped in Petaling Jaya if the protection sticker is only valid in Klang. In such cases, the operator must purchase additional protection for other zones, further inflating the costs.
Unlike “tonto” services, where informants warn drivers of roadblocks, these protection stickers offer more comprehensive immunity, allowing vehicles to travel freely despite committing violations. The practice appears to be limited to heavy vehicles, as private car owners, including taxi operators, do not use these immunity stickers.

This ongoing issue highlights the need for stricter enforcement and greater transparency within the enforcement agencies to combat such corrupt practices. We got all this from New Straits Times and their full article is linked here. Thank you New Straits Times for the information and images.