KLIA Taxi Tout Believed To Be Operating In Group

KAJANG, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- A local woman who is suspected of being a taxi tout and was arrested by the Selangor Road Transport Department (JPJ) following a viral video of a foreign tourist being cheated, is believed to have been operating in a group.

Selangor JPJ director Azrin Borhan said the information was obtained after questioning the suspect in her 30s, who was arrested at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2 (T2) at 1 am this morning, adding that his department is now tracking down the remaining members of the group.

"After the suspect's video went viral on social media two days ago about a foreign tourist being cheated by 'touts' at KLIA T2, the JPJ conducted an undercover operation and successfully apprehended the suspect who was trying to deceive a Filipino tourist heading to the city centre," he said at a press conference here today.

Azrin said his team also seized a black Perodua Axia vehicle used by the woman who is believed to have rented it from another individual.

According to him, the woman's modus operandi was to approach foreign tourists who arrive at the airport and offer them cheap prices for transportation services to the capital.

"When she was detained, the woman said she was doing this to earn extra income, and it is understood that she was able to make three trips a day," he said.

Azrin said the case is being investigated under Section 205(1) of the Land Public Transport Act 2010, which provides for a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or both.

According to him, from January until today, a total of 143 taxi touts have been detained and fined a total of RM419,200.

Azrin said the Selangor JPJ will always combat tout activities at KLIA and advises the public to always use legal taxi services.

On Sept 15, a video of a foreign tourist went viral on social media, revealing that the woman negotiated for a fare of RM60 when the tourist was looking for a bus ride to a hotel in the capital.

However, upon arrival at the hotel, the woman driver refused to stop, instead driving to a secluded area before demanding a fare of RM836, which is about 14 times the original amount.

-- BERNAMA