Illegal 'prebet sapu' operations hurting local taxi income
A recent two-hour observation by Harian Metro near an embassy in the capital revealed several individuals, believed to be foreigners, loitering near the entrance before being picked up in private vehicles.
Each car carried between two and five passengers, believed to be sharing fares based on their destinations.
Several cash transactions were seen taking place before the vehicles departed. None of the vehicles displayed official e-hailing stickers.
Some only carried a probationary driving licence (P licence) sticker on the rear windscreen, raising concerns about the drivers' legitimacy and qualifications.
When approached, both drivers and passengers declined to comment. Some pretended not to understand questions, even when spoken to in both Malay and English.
"I don't know anything. I'm just waiting for a friend," said one foreign passenger who claimed he had just arrived in Malaysia.
The activity has raised public concern, with many saying the situation is out of control, poses safety risks, and threatens the livelihoods of local taxi and e-hailing drivers.
Checks along Jalan Chan Sow Lin found more individuals, believed to be foreigners, allegedly offering prebet sapu rides.
Some were seen targeting compatriots before leading them to waiting cars, believed to be part of the operation.
Vehicles suspected to be involved were also seen parked along roadsides or outside business premises, particularly in the mornings and around midday.
Previously, a viral video showed foreigners gathered outside an embassy before boarding private cars.
In the clip, a local man confronted one of the drivers, who was seen ferrying multiple passengers.
The footage sparked public outrage, with many questioning the effectiveness of enforcement and urging authorities to crack down on illegal ride services involving foreigners.
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