KLIA ‘tout’ van driver detained after allegedly soliciting Indian tourists for illegal airport transfer

ENFORCEMENT officers from the Selangor Road Transport Department (JPJ) have detained and seized a van believed to have been involved in illegal touting activities at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), as authorities intensify efforts to curb unlicensed transport operators targeting arriving passengers.

The operation was carried out on 2 June at Terminal 1 of KLIA following surveillance and intelligence-gathering by the airport's enforcement unit, which had been monitoring individuals suspected of offering unauthorised vehicle-for-hire services.

According to JPJ Selangor, a van and its driver were apprehended and the vehicle seized for further investigation after officers observed activities consistent with illegal passenger solicitation.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had allegedly approached and persuaded eight Indian nationals to use his transport service for a journey from KLIA Terminal 1 to Genting Highlands, Pahang.

“The tout had persuaded, solicited and offered transportation services to eight Indian passengers from KLIA Terminal 1 to Genting Highlands, Pahang, at a fare of RM530, which was to be paid upon arrival at the destination,” the department said in a statement.

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

JPJ also stressed that individuals found assisting or collaborating with illegal touting operations could face prosecution under Section 243(1) of the same legislation.

The department urged travellers to use only authorised transport services available through official counters at KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, or through recognised e-hailing platforms, to avoid becoming victims of unlicensed operators.

JPJ further encouraged members of the public to report suspected transport-related offences through its official complaint channels, including the [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) email service and the e-aduan@JPJ application, accompanied by relevant details and supporting information.

The latest enforcement action forms part of ongoing efforts to protect passengers, uphold public transport regulations and maintain confidence in Malaysia’s aviation gateway transport services. - June 4, 2026