M’sia woman, 42, allegedly overcharged China tourist S$255 for airport transfer from KLIA, fined S$1,528 for repeat offence

A Malaysian woman allegedly touted and allegedly charged a Chinese tourist RM836 (S$255) for an illegal taxi ride from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to the city centre.

The usual fare reportedly ranges from RM70 (S$21.40) to RM120 (S$36.70), meaning that she charged about ten times the going rate.

K. Kalaivanie, 42, was later caught after she offered illegal taxi services at KLIA to another tourist during a government anti-touting operation.

She was fined RM5,000 (S$1,529) by a magistrate's court in Malaysia on Oct. 7, the New Straits Times reported.

Repeat offender

The court heard that Kalaivanie, a single mother of two children, was a repeat offender.

She'd previously been fined RM4,000 (S$1,228) for touting at KLIA in September 2023.

On Sep. 22, 2025, she was arrested by Malaysia's Road Traffic Department during an anti-touting operation at the KLIA Teminal 2 arrival hall.

She had approached a Filipino tourist and offered transport services, before bringing the tourist to a parked car at the arrival hall.

Investigations showed that she had offered an illegal taxi service from KLIA Terminal 2 to Seputeh, a suburb in KL, with fares of an undisclosed amount to be paid upon arrival.

A rental Perodua Axis she had been using was seized as part of investigations.

Fined for touting illegal taxi services

Kalaivanie appeared in court on Oct. 7 without a lawyer, according to NST.

She pleaded guilty to touting and offering an illegal transport service on Sep. 22.

Arguing for a harsher penalty, the prosecutor said that Kalaivanie showed no remorse for committing the same offence, despite previously having been fined for it.

He added that her acts were irresponsible, as she did not have the necessary permits and inspections.

Such illegal activities, especially at KLIA, could "tarnish Malaysia's reputation as a leading tourism destination", he said.

In mitigation, Kalaivanie asked for a more lenient sentence, saying that one of her children is sickly and she is caring for her mother who is undergoing dialysis.

"I do not have a steady income. I have only RM3,000 (S$917) to my name," she said, as cited by NST.

She reportedly settled the fine after the sentencing.

Allegedly tried to extort RM836 for airport transfer

Earlier in September 2025, a female driver and a man allegedly touted their services at KLIA Terminal 2 and offered two Chinese tourists a ride to the city centre, China Press reported.

The woman appears to be Kalaivanie.

The tourists claimed that the ride was offered at RM60 (S$18.40) at first, but this was allegedly jacked up to RM836 (S$255) during the journey.

When they refused to pay the fare, the woman allegedly locked them into the car, strangled, and slapped them.

The tourists claimed they got out of the car with the help of hotel staff and called the police.

The woman and the man then drove off from the scene.

Top image from China Press/Google