A motorist in Kuala Lumpur shared a troubling experience after being harassed by unauthorised tow truck operators following a road accident, highlighting ongoing concerns over aggressive towing practices in the city.
According to the driver, the incident occurred after the vehicle was hit in Kuala Lumpur. She contacted her insurance company to arrange an official tow truck and waited at the scene. While waiting, several unknown individuals approached and introduced themselves as tow truck operators, offering to tow the vehicle to nearby service centres.
Unauthorised tow truck drivers prevented her insurance-appointed driver from coming near
Despite politely declining their offers, the individuals reportedly continued pressuring the driver. When the insurance-appointed tow truck eventually arrived, the unauthorised operators allegedly blocked the driver from accessing the vehicle and prevented the official tow truck driver from carrying out his duties.
The insurance tow truck driver attempted to negotiate with the group but later informed the motorist that he was unable to take the vehicle under the circumstances. After nearly two hours, the driver said the group continued to detain her vehicle and attempted to force the use of their towing service.
Concerned for her safety, the motorist decided to slowly drive the damaged car to a nearby police station instead. The insurance company also contacted the driver during the incident and advised against using the unauthorised towing service. The group was said to have followed the motorist while en route to the police station, where a report was subsequently made.
Harassment from unscrupulous tow truck drivers a ‘normal occurrence’
The incident prompted other motorists to share similar encounters, with many describing aggressive and intimidating behaviour by unauthorised tow truck operators following accidents.
One driver said they had experienced a similar situation previously and advised motorists to immediately relocate their vehicle or proceed directly to the nearest police station if the car is still drivable before contacting their insurance company.
Another warned motorists not to engage with unsolicited tow truck operators at all, advising against making eye contact or responding to them. The commenter cautioned that some operators may attempt to gain control by asking for car keys under the pretext of helping to move the vehicle.
Others shared that filming the individuals or livestreaming the situation on social media had, in some cases, caused the operators to retreat, although the effectiveness of this approach varied.
The commenter pointed out that such operators often function in a legal grey area, making it difficult for authorities to take immediate action unless a crime has clearly occurred.
In another account, a driver involved in an accident on a busy road claimed an unauthorised tow truck arrived within minutes and persistently pressured them to accept the service. When the insurance-appointed tow truck arrived more than an hour later, they said they could not intervene because another operator was already present, so the driver had to ‘invite’ the tow truck driver over.
A separate motorist recounted being approached by individuals posing as helpful bystanders. The situation escalated when multiple vehicles arrived and blocked several lanes of traffic, preventing the insurance tow truck from reaching the car.
The motorist said police were eventually called after feeling threatened. Upon the authorities’ arrival, the group dispersed, allegedly issuing a warning to the driver before fleeing the scene.
The recurring accounts have renewed calls for stronger enforcement and clearer public awareness on how motorists should respond following accidents, particularly regarding the risks of unauthorised towing services.
Follow Wah Piang for more.
