NILAI: Illegal taxi services, known as "prebet sapu", have made a comeback at universities after five years.
Despite the dangers, many students opt for illegal taxi services as the fares are cheaper than regular taxis and e-hailing services.
Some 12,000 people, many of whom are university students are part of an illegal taxi service Telegram group.
The group serves as a platform for students to book rides.
Following complaints, the Road Transport Department (RTD) carried out an operation around Nilai and arrested five illegal taxi drivers, two of whom were university students.
The illegal taxi drivers were nabbed for violating Section 23(2) of the Road Transport Act for misusing their road tax.
Some of the passengers interviewed said their main consideration for using the illegal taxi service was the cost of travelling, while the drivers said they wanted to earn more money.
"I brought my car here three months ago to move around more easily and earn some pocket money, I did not know it was illegal."
Negeri Sembilan RTD director Hanif Yusabra Yusuf said the illegal taxi services posed a safety risk to passengers.
"Taxi and e-hailing drivers (operating near universities) have also complained that their earnings have been affected since Covid-19 and suspect the presence of illegal taxi services.
Hanif said there were even university staff providing illegal taxi services.
