Inspector General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said he had decided on this because it did not make sense providing him outriders to an anti-government or illegal function.
The Star quoted Khalid as saying: “We will consider traffic police escorts for Mahathir on a case-by-case basis.
“It is my decision to withdraw the outriders as he was attending illegal functions. It does not make sense as law enforcers to escort someone to an anti-government or an illegal rally.
“But, I did not withdraw his personal bodyguard who is a policeman from the UTK (Unit Tindakan Khas) for his personal safety.”
Khalid told reporters this after presenting medals to 200 policemen who served during Ops Daulat to put down the Sulu intrusion at Lahad Datu in 2013.
The report quoted Khalid as saying Mahathir could apply to him for the traffic police escort if the latter was attending an official government function.
At the same time, Khalid warned others not to provide escort services to the former premier as they were not trained and would be endangering their own lives and those of other road users.
“I know some people are saying they want to provide traffic escort services. We will take action against such people who want to become outriders,’’ The Star quoted him as saying.
The IGP said motorists need not follow the “orders” of private escorts who usually rode big bikes.