Only the police and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) have the authority to tow and remove public vehicles in areas defined as public roads.

Kuala Lumpur Traffic Police chief ACP Mohd Nadzri Hussain said the compounds issued by tow truck operators was invalid according to the existing law.

"Areas defined as public roads under Section 2 of the Road Transport Act 1987 is under the jurisdiction of the police, mayor and director general of Road Transport Department.

"Other parties except on the road or privately owned buildings cannot undertake towing or removal of any vehicles on public roads," he told reporters here today.

Last Saturday police arrested a 35-year-old man for allegedly towing a vehicle without any authority on public roads besides extorting for a payment of RM150 to release the vehicle with the tyres chained near Kuala Lumpur Hospital here.

He said the suspect was tested positive for drugs and is now being held at the Dang Wangi District Police headquarters for investigation for extortion. -- BERNAMA