PORT DICKSON: Three private car owners offering "kereta sapu" (pirate taxi) services were detained by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) in an operation at the Marine Department passenger jetty here.
The JPJ said in a statement that the three were detained after having picked up passengers on Tuesday (Feb 28).
"A team of 20 JPJ officers were involved in the operation to check the activities of kereta sapu operators. The three drivers were detained for violating Section 205(1) of the Land Public Transport Act 2010," the JPJ said.
Under the provision, offenders can be fined up to RM50,000 or jailed not more than five years or both upon conviction.
JPJ advised commuters who relied on public transport to only use the services of licensed operators to ensure they reached their destination safely.
"On its part, the JPJ will continue to carry out enforcement to curb the activities of private car owners who offer car rental services without a valid licence," it said.