PETALING JAYA, Oct 2 — The Road Transport Department (RTD) is planning a special task force to rid UberX cars from the streets as the expected crackdown yesterday failed to materialise. 

While confirming that no major enforcement exercise took place despite the October 1 deadline, a RTD spokesman said the service remained illegal and action would be taken against errant drivers.

He offered no explanation as to why the enforcement did not take place. 

“A special force will be tasked to deal with Uber drivers. There will be random checks at any given location. We have already issued warnings. If they (the drivers) do not heed it, they will have to deal with the consequences,” he said.

Attempts to get comments from the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD), which was also supposed to carry out the crackdown yesterday, proved futile. 

RTD director-general Datuk Seri Ismail Ahmad, had on September 28, said the clamdown was necessary as the services offered by the California-based company could harm the taxi industry.

He said Uber had never approached RTD or acquired the necessary approvals from  SPAD.

“If they want to carry fare-paying passengers, they need to get everything in order,” he said.

He said the department was aware Uber was still operating. 

He said those who flout the law faced a fine of up to RM10,000 or spend one year in jail.