15 'tontos' arrested in major sweep
Published on: Wednesday, May 04, 2016
Putra Jaya: Fifteen 'tontos' (informers) have been arrested and 13 vehicles seized during the Ops Cantas Khas Tonto carried out in three states since April 26. Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the very first joint operation between the Road Transport Department (RTD) and police had successfully nabbed the masterminds and syndicate leaders behind the tonto menace in Negri Sembilan, Selangor and Perak. "The main objective of this operation was to stop this crime and safeguard the people's safety," he told a press conference Tuesday. ADVERTISEMENT These tonto syndicates serve as informers to lorry drivers and companies which run transport businesses and notify them of any enforcement and checks conducted by RTD, Liow said. "These lorry drivers usually carry excess weight, more than the permitted amount and some even drive without licenses. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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"This could endanger lives on the road and also destroy roads," he added. Liow said the government loses around RM12 million annually in unpaid tax and was also forced to fork out RM100 million every year for road repairs. Also present were RTD director-general Datuk Seri Ismail Ahmad and Federal police Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohmad Salleh.