The Star quoted Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nancy Shukri as saying action can be taken against Uber as it had not submitted any permit application to the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) in both states.

“Section 33 of the CVLB Act clearly states a ban on the use of public service vehicles that are not licensed.

“Therefore the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the police have the authority by law to seize vehicles without license under Section 51 of the Act,” she was quoted as saying, adding that the modus-operandi of Uber was similar to that of pirate taxis.

Nancy said the CVLB, JPJ and police, would continue to monitor the operation of illegal transport vehicles, including Uber, in both states to ensure the safety and interests of passengers there.

Nancy’s statements come in the wake of news reports that three agencies – namely the CVLB, RTD and Sarawak police, are nabbing Uber drivers in the state.

State deputy traffic chief DSP Alexson Naga Chabu was quoted as saying that Uber drivers could be fined between RM1,000 and RM10,000 under Section 33 of the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board Act 1987 and have their vehicles seized for illegally operating private vehicles for commercial purposes.

Earlier this week, two Uber drivers were arrested by police in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, as they did not possess CVLB licences.