Airport touts offer luxury ride to unsuspecting tourists, says JPJ
SEPANG: A luxury car was among the vehicles seized under special operations to get rid of airport touts by the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
JPJ deputy director-general (Planning and Operations) Aedy Fadly Ramli said a luxury MPV was among the 10 cars seized during the department’s latest three-day operation against airport touts at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
“The operation this time, we have seized several types of vehicles including a luxury car and it will be seized until court action has been finalised.
“We also seized a car used for ehailing purposes but were used to illegally offer transport services as touting was more profitable,” he said in a press conference at KLIA on Tuesday night.
Aedy added that the touts who are mostly locals would refer to the airport arrivals schedule and would target first time visitors or those traveling without travel agents to the country.
“The ride would be priced based on the location. They would set a standard price at first and would add on to the charge and the passenger would be forced to pay higher than the initial fee offered,” he said.
As of April this year, Aedy said JPJ has detected and nabbed 312 airport touts found persuading or coercing tourists at the KLIA for their illegal transport services.
He added that the department will continue to carry out operations against airport touts which constitutes an offence under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board Act 1987 (Act 334), the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715), and related regulations.
“Through the special ops, ‘Ulat’ conducted from 2022 until April this year, the JPJ has detected and taken action against 312 touts including the recent 10 cases who were found persuading or coercing others to offer unauthorised services.
“These arrests were made under Section 205(1) of the Land Public Transport Act 2010, and upon conviction, the offenders may be fined up to RM50,000 or jailed for a term not more than five years, or both,” he added.
Aedy added that JPJ has also carried out a special operation involving 23, 567 ehailing vehicles to identify and take action against those who failed to inspect their vehicle with Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom) among others.
“Of the vehicles inspected, 1,889 were penalised and 2,168 received notices for seven major offences, failing to inspect their vehicles with Puspakom, as well as technical related issues and other various conducts.
“JPJ will continue to take firm action against companies, ehailing vehicle owners, and drivers who persistently break the laws and regulations. Enforcement and strict measures will continue to be implemented to increase accountability and compliance towards a safer road safety culture for all road users,” he said.
In an effort to flatten the curve of road accidents and fatalities, Aedy also urged all road users to share the responsibility by abiding the road traffic laws and regulations, and showing tolerance towards other road users.
“JPJ would like to extend its appreciation to road users who consistently follow road traffic regulations and actively participate by making real-time complaints via the MyJPJ application: e-Aduan@JPJ, or by sending emails to [email protected] with complete report details.
“This department is always committed to ensuring that the safety and well-being of road users are preserved at the highest level,” he said.
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