JPJ seizes 21 luxury MPVs illegally trading ‘kereta sapu’ – some charge RM1k for KL-Singapore trip
JPJ seized 21 luxury MPVs used as illegal ‘kereta sapu’ during special operations held in the Klang Valley from Sept 2 to 6. Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said such an operation was held for the first time to eradicate ‘ulat teksi sapu mewah’ activities targeting foreign tourists staying at five-star hotels as well as at tourist spots.
“We have received numerous reports of this activity and investigations have found that their modus operandi involves the use of special applications and the assistance of middlemen in their mission to make irresponsible profits,” Aedy Fadly said yesterday, as reported by Bernama. He added that some were charging up to S$300 (RM996) for a trip from KL to Singapore compared to the usual fee of RM300.
The JPJ chief said that in addition to confiscating MPVs such as Toyota Alphard, Hyundai Starex, Hyundai Staria and Toyota Innova, officers also issued 45 summonses to the owners of these vehicles for various violations such as misuse of driving licenses, not having a valid driving license (CDL) and expired CDL licenses. The drivers were mostly local men in their 30s.
The cases are being investigated under Section 23 (2) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a fine of up to RM10,000 or imprisonment of not more than two years, or both.
Aedy Fadly said that after focusing its previous efforts on the country’s gateways such as KLIA, KLIA2 and Langkawi airport, JPJ is now looking to eliminate Kereta Sapu activities in areas such as luxury hotels and tourist attractions.
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