KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 ― The Road Transport Department (RTD) said today that it would crack down on private vehicles that offer taxi-like services, but not the taxis and limousines using popular transportation booking service Uber.

RTD director-general Datuk Seri Ismail Ahmad said individuals or companies providing the “teksi sapu” (illegal taxi) services risked being fined between RM1,000 and RM10,000, or one year’s imprisonment, The Star Online reported.

“The public should aware that by using private vehicles as taxi, they are not covered by any insurance should they get involved in any accident,” Ismail was quoted as saying.

He reportedly added that using private vehicles to ferry fare-paying passengers was an offence under Section 16 of the Land Public Transportation Act 2010.

The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) told Uber last month to stop using private and “Hire & Drive” vehicles.

SPAD chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar had urged Uber to use only properly-licensed vehicles and drivers.