SEPANG, Oct 7 — A 42-year-old woman was fined RM5,000 by the magistrates’ court here today after pleading guilty to touting and operating an illegal taxi service from Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA2) to the city centre, charging a tourist RM836 for the trip.
According to the New Straits Times (NST), Magistrate Khairatul Animah Jelani also ordered K. Kalaivanie to serve three months in jail if she fails to pay the fine.
The court was told that Kalaivanie, a single mother of two, is a repeat offender, having been fined RM4,000 for a similar offence at KLIA2 in September last year.
The usual fare from KLIA2 to Kuala Lumpur ranges between RM70 and RM120, nearly ten times less than what she charged.
Kalaivanie, who appeared in court dressed in a light green top and jeans, pleaded for leniency, saying she is the sole breadwinner caring for her two children and her mother, who is undergoing dialysis.
“I have no steady income and only RM3,000 to my name,” she was quoted telling the court, self-representing during mitigation.
However, Road Transport Department (RTD) prosecuting officer Bokhari Mat Yusoff urged the court to impose a stiffer sentence, noting that Kalaivanie appeared unrepentant despite her prior conviction.
“She has shown no remorse for repeating the offence. A heavier penalty is needed to deter such acts,” he said, adding that her illegal transport activities bypassed vehicle inspections and public service taxes, leaving passengers uninsured in the event of an accident.
Bokhari also said that illegal taxi operations at the airport could damage Malaysia’s reputation among foreign tourists.
Following the verdict, Kalaivanie paid the fine before leaving the courtroom quietly.
According to NST, RTD officers later confirmed that the Perodua Axia she used was a rented vehicle that had been seized during investigations. The car is currently held at the RTD base at KLIA and can be reclaimed once outstanding matters with the rental company are resolved.
Investigations revealed that Kalaivanie was detained during a special anti-touting operation at the KLIA2 arrival hall around 12.50am on September 22, after she was seen approaching a Filipina tourist and offering a ride to Seputeh.
