A Malaysian woman who became infamous for running an illegal taxi service and assaulting two Chinese tourists has been fined $1,440 (RM5,000) by the court after pleading guilty to the offence.
Repeat offender caught at KLIA2
The accused, K. Kalaivanie, was apprehended at the concourse area of the International Arrival Hall at KLIA2 around 12.50am on 22 September. She was caught during a Road Transport Department (JPJ) “ulat” operation targeting illegal taxi touts.
According to the charge sheet, she had been offering unauthorised transport services using a private vehicle. Kalaivanie faced charges under Section 205(1) of the Land Public Transport Act (APAD) 2010, which allows for a fine of up to $14,400 (RM50,000), a maximum of five years’ imprisonment, or both.
She admitted guilt when the charge was read to her.
Court imposes higher fine for being unremorseful
JPJ Prosecuting Officer Bohkhari Mat Yusoff urged the court to impose a heavier penalty, pointing out that Kalaivanie showed no remorse despite being previously convicted for the same offence in 2023, where she was fined $1,150 (RM4,000).
The prosecutor highlighted that she had failed to register her vehicle under the public service vehicle category, avoided mandatory Puspakom inspections, and did not provide passenger insurance coverage — all serious breaches meant to protect passengers’ safety.
Kalaivanie, who pleaded for leniency, told the court that she was a single mother supporting two children and her mother, who requires regular dialysis. Taking her financial struggles into account, the court ordered her to pay a $1,440 fine (RM5,000), in default of a five-month jail term. She paid the fine in full.
Tourists allegedly “kidnapped” and slapped
The controversy erupted when two Chinese tourists accused Kalaivanie and her husband of “kidnapping” them after a fare dispute. The couple had initially agreed to transport the tourists to their hotel for RM60 ($17). However, upon arrival, they shockingly demanded RM836 ($240).
When the tourists refused to pay, the driver allegedly locked the car doors and held them inside until they gave in. One of the tourists also claimed she was slapped three times by Kalaivanie during the ordeal.
The incident went viral on social media, drawing national outrage and prompting authorities to launch an immediate investigation.
This latest conviction marks Kalaivanie’s second offence within two years, as she continues to face public criticism for tarnishing Malaysia’s tourism reputation.
Tourism authorities have since urged travellers to use only authorised ride-hailing services or official airport taxis to avoid falling victim to such illegal operators.