People waiting for e-hailing cars at KLIA— RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Passengers arriving at airports or air terminals should always opt for regulated services instead of going for unknown private services, say consumer groups.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) senior manager Saral James Maniam said passengers arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) could still use airport taxis at the arrival area.
“You just need to buy a coupon from the counter and present it to the taxi driver.
“If this is not available at the point of arrival, then we need to highlight this matter to KLIA for immediate action to cope with the touts issue.
ALSO READ : Lucrative side hustle sways drivers
“We need to educate passengers about the dangers of using the services of touts at airports.
“These touts charge higher than usual fares for airport taxis and limousines, and they have no insurance coverage,” she said in response to private vehicles offering ride services at airports.
Saral added that rather than succumbing to the lure of touts who promise prompt departures without standing in long lines, customers should use the official taxi services or other available options, such as ehailing.
She hoped enforcement officers from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) at KLIA would conduct operations to nab these touts, as they also harm the country’s image and economic gains for the tourism and public transport sectors.
She said that it is important to increase awareness among passengers about the issue.
This can be done through video or visual displays in airports, as well as distributing leaflets that explain the risks and consequences of using the services of touts.
According to Section 205(1) of the Land Public Transport (APAD) Act 2010, “soliciting or touting” denotes that anyone offering such services will be liable for a fine not exceeding RM50,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or both.
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) education officer NV Subbarow also agreed that engaging in such services may pose danger to the passengers, especially women.
“These kinds of services put a person, especially young ladies, in a vulnerable position because there is no way to trace them if something terrible happens.
“So safety-wise, this service is not reliable and those moonlighting as such should be punished.
“If they want to operate, it must be legitimate with proper licensing,” said Subbarow.
