GALLERY: SPAD Tows Vehicles In Klang Valley For "Illegal" Uber, GrabCar Use

Just last week, we reported that the Land Transport Commission (SPAD) had confiscated up to seven unlicensed vehicles being used as taxis near the Penang airport, and now, it looks like things are equally getting serious in the Klang Valley.

A social media posting by SPAD claimed that another 12 vehicles were taken in, after being caught as Uber and GrabCar service drivers without the right licenses to do so. The vehicles had come from several areas in the Klang Valley, including Sunway, Times Square, Damansara, Puchong and Bangsar.

Of the vehicles hauled in were several models that included the Perodua Myvi, Proton Preve Toyota Camry, Honda Jazz, Hyundai Elantra and a Toyota Vios. 11 of these vehicles were using the GrabCar service, while only one was on Uber.

The on-going SPAD operation is said to be assisted by local taxi drivers, obviously unsettled by the service that is said to undercut their means. The fact being that licensed taxi operators have to go through significant qualification processes before being able to do their jobs, while services like Uber and GrabCar allow for anyone to effective use their own vehicles, and turn them into a taxi-like service.

With no final decision in sight just yet, SPAD has been threatening severe action against Uber and GrabCar, even suggesting an amendment to the Land Public Transport Act 2010 that could effectively hinder the operations of those who utilise Uber and Grab Car’s services inappropriately.

*Images courtesy of SPAD Facebook page