
Touting remains widespread in Malaysia’s legal industry despite being a criminal offence, with some law firms allegedly reaping substantial profits from the practice, a senior lawyer has claimed.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the lawyer said firms often distance themselves from direct involvement by deploying runners or agents to scout for potential clients at hospitals, court complexes, police stations and other public offices.
“Some of these agents are linked to insiders within government departments and agencies who tip them off about potential cases,” the lawyer told FMT.
“For certain firms, this has become their bread and butter.”
In accident-related cases, the lawyer said firms may even offer victims cash advances — presented as “friendly” loans — which are later deducted from settlement payouts….