Johor RTD investigates foreigners renting cars to operate 'kereta sapu' services

The Johor Road Transport Department (RTD) is probing allegations that foreigners were leasing cars from Malaysians and using them to run illegal e-hailing and kereta sapu services across several districts in the state. The probe commenced after a video went viral online showing a man, believed to be Bangladeshi, picking up passengers near a bus terminal in a district.

The footage also displayed a Malaysian confronting the foreign driver, who appeared to be driving a vehicle lacking a valid driving licence, e-hailing permit, and road tax. Johor RTD director Zulkarnain Yasin stated that the department had received the complaint and contacted the complainant for further details. He revealed that RTD had issued a notice under the Road Transport Act 1987's Section 114 to the registered owner of the vehicle, mandating their appearance at the department for investigations.

Non-appearance would result in a summons for non-compliance, which carries a maximum fine of RM300. Should the investigation confirm the commission of offences, the driver and vehicle owner could face fines of up to RM2,000 each if convicted in court. Driving without a valid licence incurs a fine between RM300 and RM2,000. The video uploaded on TikTok claimed that foreigners were offering illegal passenger transport services in multiple parts of Johor, typically known as kereta sapu.

These vehicles allegedly operated as unlicensed private taxis, charging passengers between RM5 and RM50 based on the distance. Each vehicle reportedly carried up to five passengers, with fares collected individually. The service raises safety and liability concerns, as passengers in such vehicles might not be covered by valid insurance in case of an accident.