KUALA LUMPUR: Tow truck operators are resorting to violence to get accident victims to use their services. Federal Territory and Selangor Automobile Repairers’ Association president Datuk Ho Yoon Ping said they had been receiving at least two complaints monthly from accident victims, alleging that they were forced to pay off the tow truck operators.

Trouble starts when the victim refuses to go to the workshop used by these tow truck operators who arrive at the scene first. “In most cases, the victims have their own workshops. The tow truck operators would refuse to release the victim’s car until they are paid RM200 for being ‘first on the scene’ and ‘looking after’ the damaged car”. Ho said the tow truck operators would also demand money from tow service operators of the car owner’s choice.

He urged victims to go to the nearest police station quickly if they are caught in such a situation. “Tell your friends or family members to get to the crash scene and keep an eye on the vehicle. Later, ask a policeman to accompany you to the car, to avoid trouble with tow service operators who would resort to anything for money.”

He was speaking at a press conference at the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department yesterday where two brothers narrated their harrowing experience with the tow truck operators recently. The brothers, Neng Man Seng, 27, and Neng Wah Seng, 29, were allegedly beaten up by 10 men after they had refused the group’s offer to tow their damaged car.