No compromise on taxi touts, says Loke after tourist fleeced of RM836 at KLIA

No compromise on taxi touts, says Loke after tourist fleeced of RM836 at KLIA

The transport minister says JPJ has seized the vehicle and detained the driver who allegedly forced a tourist to pay 14 times the agreed fare.

The road transport department seized a vehicle and detained its driver at KLIA Terminal 2 after a tourist was allegedly charged RM836 for a RM60 ride. (Loke Siew Fook pics)
PETALING JAYA:
Transport minister Loke Siew Fook has warned that there will be no compromise with taxi touts at KLIA, saying such activities tarnish Malaysia’s image.

This follows the arrest of a driver at KLIA Terminal 2 yesterday after he allegedly charged a foreign tourist RM836 for a ride that was initially agreed at RM60.

“After the case went viral, I instructed the road transport department (JPJ) to track down the vehicle.

“Yesterday, after a covert operation at KLIA, JPJ detained the car and its driver. The car was immediately seized and an investigation paper has been opened for further action,” Loke said in a Facebook post today.

In a viral video, a tourist claimed she was lured by a tout at KLIA Terminal 2 while looking for a bus to her hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 15.

The tourist, who was travelling with a friend, said they were initially quoted RM60. However, upon reaching the hotel, the driver allegedly diverted them to a secluded area and demanded RM836.

Loke praised JPJ for its swift action and reiterated that touts at KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 would face stern enforcement.

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