The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will begin 24-hour patrols at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) as part of efforts to crack down on illegal e-hailing drivers ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.
The move follows an enforcement operation carried out between 12 and 26 June, during which authorities seized 54 vehicles and issued 76 compounds under the Land Public Transport Act (APAD) 2010.
Tourists allegedly charged up to RM800 by drivers
JPJ Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said illegal e-hailing drivers have been taking advantage of tourists who are unfamiliar with local transport, charging between RM500 and RM800 for trips that should normally cost between RM65 and RM80 by taxi from KLIA to Kuala Lumpur. He warned that such incidents could leave foreign visitors with a negative impression of Malaysia after returning home.
One of the cases involved a tourist from China who was initially quoted RM60 for a ride from KLIA Terminal 2 to Kuala Lumpur but allegedly ended up being forced to pay RM836 upon arrival. The tourist also claimed they were threatened and prevented from leaving the vehicle until the payment was made.
JPJ used undercover officers to catch illegal drivers
According to Aedy Fadly, the operation was carried out jointly with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), involving JPJ officers from Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka.
Some enforcement officers went undercover by posing as tourists, while both Malaysian and foreign volunteers were also used to help identify and catch illegal drivers targeting arriving passengers.
JPJ seizes 54 vehicles
Throughout the operation, JPJ inspected 59 vehicles and took action against 54 of them, comprising 27 private vehicles, 16 e-hailing vehicles, nine taxis and two company-owned vehicles. A total of 76 notices were issued under various provisions of the Land Public Transport Act 2010, with 70 issued to Malaysian nationals and six to foreign nationals.
JPJ also revealed that it had detected Bangladeshi nationals allegedly offering illegal transport services at KLIA, specifically targeting tourists from Bangladesh as they could communicate more easily and gain their trust.
The department added that similar illegal activities have also been detected at Subang Airport, Penang International Airport, Senai International Airport in Johor and Sultan Mahmud Airport in Terengganu, although KLIA recorded the highest number of cases.
24-hour patrols to begin on 13 July
To prevent similar incidents, JPJ will deploy officers across three shifts to conduct round-the-clock patrols at both KLIA terminals starting 13 July 2026. Senior officers will also be stationed at the airport to strengthen monitoring and enforcement efforts. JPJ said the initiative aims to curb illegal transport activities while safeguarding Malaysia’s reputation as the country prepares to welcome more visitors for Visit Malaysia 2026.
The department stressed that it will continue enforcement operations at major airports nationwide while intensifying daily patrols at KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to stamp out illegal ride services activities. JPJ will also work with Malaysia Airports to raise public awareness about the importance of using licensed transport services.
Public announcements and informational posters will be placed at strategic locations throughout the airport to remind passengers to avoid illegal transport operators.
Follow Wah Piang for more.
