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A TOURIST’S account of being allegedly overcharged and intimidated by an illegal taxi driver at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) has sparked widespread concern online, with many calling for stricter enforcement against such operators.
In a post shared on a Facebook travel group, the tourist, identified as Mitra Ardron, recounted his experience after arriving at KLIA Terminal 2 on a flight from Calcutta, India.
He said he was unable to access mobile internet due to issues with his eSIM, leaving him struggling to navigate transport options within the airport.
While making his way out of the terminal to catch the shuttle to Terminal 1, Mitra was approached by a man offering a ride.
Although initially hesitant, he claimed the individual insisted that shuttle and train services were not yet running and warned that he might miss his connecting flight.
The driver also assured him the fare would follow the meter rate, which eventually convinced him to accept the offer.
However, the situation quickly took a troubling turn.
Mitra alleged that instead of heading directly to Terminal 1, the driver left the airport premises and stopped at a petrol station some distance away, asking him to withdraw cash from an ATM after learning he intended to pay by card.
Growing increasingly uneasy, Mitra noted that the journey seemed unusually long for what should have been a short transfer between terminals.
Upon finally arriving at Terminal 1, he was told the fare was RM450 — far exceeding what a metered ride would typically cost.
When he questioned the amount and suggested verifying it with authorities, Mitra claimed the driver locked the car doors and refused to let him leave unless payment was made.
Feeling pressured and concerned for his safety, he eventually paid RM300, which the driver accepted as a final amount.
A police report has since been lodged.
Mitra also warned other travellers to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with unlicensed drivers at the airport.
The incident has triggered strong reactions online, with many urging authorities to take firm action against illegal taxi operators, warning that such incidents risk tarnishing Malaysia’s reputation among international visitors. – June 2, 2026
