GEORGE TOWN: Drivers caught ferrying passengers illegally at Penang International Airport often claimed they were picking up friends or acquaintances, but this did not deter Road Transport Department (RTD) enforcement action.
The department inspected 12 vehicles during an operation that began at 8am, issuing six notices involving three vehicles found carrying passengers without valid permits.
Penang RTD director Zulkifly Ismail said the operation was conducted following intelligence gathering and public complaints about illegal taxi activities at tourist spots and major entry points in Penang.
"Among the excuses given by the drivers was that they were there to pick up friends or acquaintances.
"This is a common excuse we receive," he said at the airport.
The drivers were investigated under Section 16 of the Land Public Transport Act 2010 for carrying passengers without valid permits.
From Jan 1 to Oct 24, RTD Penang inspected 1,056 vehicles suspected of operating without valid permits.
Of these, 496 vehicles were subjected to enforcement action, with 519 notices issued.
Zulkifly said illegal passenger transport services were taken seriously as they could jeopardise passenger safety and create unfair competition for legitimate operators.
He added that all cases detected so far involved local drivers, with no foreign drivers arrested for the offence.
RTD Penang would continue its monitoring and enforcement operations to ensure commercial passenger transport operators complied with licensing and permit requirements, he said.
"Passenger safety cannot be compromised.
"We encourage the public to channel information on suspected illegal transport activities through our official channels," he added.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd