No Kopi Money Here? Cheras Police Say Viral ‘Roadside Bribe’ Clip Misleading
A viral TikTok video alleging that a police officer accepted money by the roadside in Cheras has been firmly denied by the authorities, who say the claims do not reflect what actually happened on the ground.
The clip, which began circulating online on Feb. 26, suggested that an officer had taken cash from a motorist during what appeared to be a roadside stop. As expected, the footage quickly fuelled speculation about alleged “kopi money” practices, a phrase often used loosely on social media whenever enforcement and cash appear in the same sentence.
However, police have stepped forward to set the record straight, stressing that the situation was part of routine enforcement duties rather than any form of bribery.
Patrol Duties, Not Pocket Money
According to Cheras district police chief Asst Comm Mohd Rosdi Daud, the incident took place at around 11.20am near the entry and exit junction of Jalan Persiaran Jalil Utama in Bukit Jalil.
He explained that four officers were conducting crime prevention patrols at the time. The officers were reportedly taking action against vehicles that were obstructing traffic, a common issue in busy urban areas.
Police checks found that the motorist involved had been advised to move the vehicle and was also encouraged to register for the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) application. The individual’s particulars were recorded for documentation purposes, in line with standard operating procedures.
Two summonses were subsequently issued — one to the driver in question and another to a different vehicle owner — for traffic obstruction offences.
Police Urge Public Not To Jump To Conclusions
The Royal Malaysia Police, known formally as Royal Malaysia Police, urged members of the public to refrain from speculation that could undermine confidence in law enforcement operations.
Asst Comm Mohd Rosdi emphasised that the force remains committed to integrity and professionalism, particularly in maintaining public trust and ensuring road safety.
He added that misinterpretations of short video clips, especially those lacking context, can easily spiral into damaging narratives online. In today’s social media era, a few seconds of footage can sometimes overshadow official explanations.
Members of the public who have additional information regarding the matter have been encouraged to contact the Kuala Lumpur or Cheras police hotlines, or to visit the nearest police station.
While the phrase “kopi money” often surfaces in cross-border conversations and enforcement debates, police in this case maintain that the viral claim does not reflect reality. For motorists, the reminder is simple: obey traffic rules, avoid illegal parking, and if in doubt, verify information through official channels rather than relying solely on viral clips.