“Taxi touts” operating illegally at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Sepang, have been caught using rental cars to offer unauthorised services, demonstrating a brazen disregard for previous enforcement actions.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the syndicate works in groups, continuing their operations despite authorities having seized and forfeited vehicles in the past. He explained that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) enforcement team identified the modus operandi during a visit to the KLIA office yesterday.
“These individuals operate almost daily, even though enforcement actions have been taken to curb their activities, which tarnish the nation’s image by charging exorbitant fares to tourists,” Loke said.
He added that even after apprehending a tout who charged a foreign tourist RM836, similar incidents occur almost every day at the airport. “At least one or two illegal vehicles are seized daily. They are not afraid because the cars are rented, so seizure or forfeiture has little effect on them—it impacts the rental owners instead.”
Loke noted that JPJ has identified the group and is monitoring them closely, gathering solid evidence for further action. “We’ve learned they operate with a form of ‘risk sharing,’ meaning if one member is caught, others absorb the consequences. This could also involve shared profits. They move in groups and may be part of a syndicate, using clever methods to evade enforcement,” he said, adding that JPJ will launch operations to eliminate these illegal activities.
Vehicle owners are also reminded to act responsibly, vet renters carefully, and avoid letting their vehicles be used for illegal purposes. “If a vehicle is involved in unlawful activity, the owner is responsible. JPJ can only seize the car and bring it to court. The court then decides whether it is forfeited or if the driver is fined. For these taxi tout cases, we seek forfeiture, not just fines,” Loke stressed.
He concluded that the ministry will review existing laws to ensure stricter enforcement against taxi touts and completely eradicate illegal operations at the airport.
