SPAD Cracks Down On Illegal Taxis In Penang

The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) have started a crackdown on more than 200 vehicles which have been identified to be operating without a valid permit to transport passengers in the island state of Penang.

Commonly known as “teksi sapu”, Enforcement Division Chief Datuk Paduka Che Hasni Che Ahmad said several areas where these illegal taxis operate have been identified as hot spots.

"We managed to identify them based on the complaints and reports from the public and taxi operators," he said during a press conference after a four-hour operation led by SPAD at the Penang International Airport (PIA) today.

The sting operation saw three vehicles confiscated for operating without a licence at PIA while the individuals will be charged under Section 16 of the Land Public Transport Act 2010 where they could be fined up to RM10,000, one-year jail term or both upon conviction.

Che Hasni also commented on the recent launch of private taxi service Uber in Penang, stating any public transportation or vehicles that operated without a valid permit or licence from SPAD will face action, adding that SPAD is currently monitoring Uber operations in the state.