Round-the-clock monitoring at KLIA from next week to tackle 'ulat'

 

RTD director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli (left) with his officers checking a vehicle during Op Ulat at KLIA. NSTP/HAZREEN MOHAMAD

SEPANG: The Road Transport Department (RTD) will strengthen enforcement at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 (T1) and T2 by increasing the number of personnel to carry out 24-hour patrols and monitoring in an effort to combat legal tout or 'ulat' activities.

Its director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said that the measure will be implemented starting next week, following instructions from the Transport Ministry (MOT) to ensure that the activity can be curbed more effectively.

"I have asked the Selangor RTD deputy director (Datuk Ahmad Kamarunzaman Mehat) to increase the number of its personnel to be stationed at KLIA.

"Next week we will issue instructions, and some duty officers will be permanently stationed at KLIA (T1 and T2) to carry out patrols," he said at a press conference in conjunction with the KLIA Op Ulat here today.

Aedy Fadly said that currently only 17 RTD personnel are stationed at KLIA T1, with shifts assigned from 7am to midnight, while no personnel are specifically stationed at KLIA2.

"After this, we will implement a three-shift assignment for 24 hours, because this ulat activity occurs at any time, including as early as 4am when flights start arriving," he said.

He said RTD would also place officers with higher grades to lead enforcement units at both air terminals to ensure that monitoring and enforcement operations could be carried out more effectively.

He said the reinforcement effort was made to ensure that the country's entry points are free from the activities of individuals offering illegal passenger transport services that give a negative image to the country.

Aedy Fadly said the RTD is also collaborating with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to enhance announcements to passengers through displays at airport terminals, so that they only use legitimate and licensed transportation services.

He assured that the department will not compromise with any parties involved in the activities of middlemen and will continue to intensify enforcement at KLIA T1 and KLIA T2, to protect the interests of users and the country's image. - NST