The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has uncovered a widespread touting syndicate at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2, where licensed e-hailing drivers allegedly bypassed booking applications and charged unsuspecting tourists exorbitant fares.
JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said the drivers were found loitering in airport arrival halls, approaching travellers—particularly foreign tourists—and offering direct rides instead of using official e-hailing platforms that regulate fares and queue systems. He said the tactic allows them to impose inflated charges on passengers unfamiliar with local transport services.
According to Aedy Fadly, a taxi ride from KLIA to Kuala Lumpur should normally cost between RM65 and RM80, but some victims were forced to pay between RM500 and RM800. In one case, a tourist from China agreed to pay RM60 for a trip from KLIA Terminal 2 to Kuala Lumpur but was later charged RM836 upon arrival. The tourist was allegedly prevented from leaving the vehicle until the payment was made.
He said JPJ views the matter seriously as it not only breaches the law but also tarnishes Malaysia’s public transport system, disadvantages legitimate operators and damages the country’s reputation as a tourist destination. Authorities warned that such incidents could leave overseas visitors with a negative impression of Malaysia.
The enforcement operation, known as Ops Ulat KLIA, was conducted from 12 to 26 June in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB). Officers from JPJ’s Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka branches took part in the operation, with some personnel going undercover as tourists. Malaysian and foreign volunteers were also used as decoys to identify and catch touts targeting arriving passengers.
During the operation, JPJ inspected 59 vehicles and took enforcement action against 54, comprising 27 private vehicles, 16 e-hailing vehicles, nine taxis and two company-owned vehicles. A total of 76 notices were issued under the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (LPTA), including 70 to Malaysian citizens and six to foreign nationals, for offences under Sections 205, 16(1), 243(1) and 22 of the Act.
Aedy Fadly also revealed that some Bangladeshi nationals were involved in touting activities at KLIA, often targeting tourists from Bangladesh due to the ease of communication. Similar offences have also been detected at Subang, Penang, Johor and Terengganu airports, although KLIA recorded the highest number of cases.
JPJ said enforcement operations will continue at major airports nationwide, with daily patrols at KLIA Terminals 1 and 2 being intensified to curb touting activities, protect travellers and preserve Malaysia’s image as a welcoming destination for international tourists.
