JPJ Tracks Illegal Motorcycle Taxis Charging RM80 for F1
The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has launched targeted enforcement operations to track unlicensed motorcycle taxi operators offering passenger transport to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC). These illegal motorcycle taxis, colloquially termed "gojek" services by operators and social media users, emerged during the 2026 Formula 1 event to ferry motorsport spectators past heavy traffic congestion surrounding the circuit. Unregulated private operators without commercial public service vehicle licensing solicited rides online and on-site, serving Malaysian commuters and international visitors travelling from nearby transit hubs such as KLIA2 and Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Enforcement Agency | Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) |
| Service Category | Unlicensed motorcycle passenger transport ("gojek") |
| Event Location | Sepang International Circuit (SIC), Selangor, Malaysia |
| Report Date | 5 October 2026 |
| Fare Range | RM10 to RM80 (depending on route and operator) |
| Route: Mitsui Outlet Park (MOP) to SIC | RM10 (standard advertised offer) |
| Route: KLIA2 to SIC | RM10 |
| Route: MOP to Petronas Station (near SIC main entrance) | Up to RM80 for 10 km |
| Regulatory Status | Illegal under Malaysian transport regulations |
Why Is JPJ Cracking Down on Sepang F1 Motorcycle Taxis?
JPJ is tracking down motorcycle taxi providers at Sepang because offering passenger transport for fare without a valid public service licence violates Malaysian road transport regulations. While touts and private riders offered quick transit through event gridlock, these unvetted operations present critical road safety risks and lack passenger insurance coverage in the event of an accident.
Both car and motorcycle rides were advertised across social media platforms targeting commuters stuck in severe traffic jams around the circuit perimeter. According to coverage by national daily Berita Harian, JPJ deployed personnel to conduct enforcement sweeps across high-traffic access routes and designated transit pickup points around Sepang.
"Willing buyer willing seller, but such unlicensed services are illegal, and JPJ is tracking down those offering them, according to Berita Harian."
Paul Tan's Automotive News
Unlicensed motorcycle taxi services operating without JPJ commercial approval are strictly illegal under Malaysian transport laws and leave passengers unprotected by commercial motor insurance.
How Much Were Commuters Charged for Sepang Motorcycle Rides?
Commuter fares varied widely from budget RM10 trips to opportunistic surge pricing reaching RM80 for a single 10 km journey. Standard baseline offers advertised on social media cited RM10 one-way rides from transit hubs, but on-ground touts escalated prices significantly as circuit congestion intensified near the main gates.
Published reporting confirmed that certain riders charged RM10 between Mitsui Outlet Park (MOP) KLIA and SIC, matching the RM10 rate for trips originating from KLIA2. However, opportunists near commercial retail centres levied premium rates, demanding up to RM80 to ferry passengers over a 10 km distance terminating at the Petronas station adjacent to SIC's main gate.
Fares for unauthorised Sepang circuit motorcycle rides ranged from a flat RM10 up to RM80 for a single 10 km journey during peak event congestion.
Who Is This For in Malaysia?
These illicit transport services targeted time-sensitive motorsport spectators navigating severe Selangor suburban corridor congestion between Sepang air transit centres and the racing venue. Commuters relying on public transit connections via KLIA2 or retail parking at Mitsui Outlet Park faced protracted road delays, prompting some to bypass traffic via two-wheeled private hire.
Malaysian road conditions during major international sporting fixtures regularly cause severe gridlock along local federal routes and highway exits. However, taking unlicensed motorcycle taxis removes all statutory commuter protections, exposing passengers to unverified riders, non-standard helmets, and absolute liability in tropical downpours or collisions.
Commuters travelling between KLIA2, Mitsui Outlet Park, and Sepang International Circuit face total loss of commercial insurance coverage when hiring illegal motorcycle operators to bypass traffic jams.
Common Questions
Are motorcycle taxis currently legal for hire in Malaysia?
No, commercial motorcycle taxi services remain unlicensed and illegal for public transport in Malaysia without official regulatory frameworks and permits issued by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD).
What fares were illegal motorcycle taxis charging from Mitsui Outlet Park to SIC?
Riders advertised baseline one-way trips from Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA to SIC for RM10, though on-ground touts were reported charging up to RM80 for the 10 km ride to the circuit's nearby Petronas station.
What were the primary pickup locations targeted by JPJ enforcement at Sepang?
JPJ enforcement operations focused on known passenger staging grounds and traffic bottlenecks around Sepang International Circuit, specifically targeting corridors connecting the track to KLIA2 and Mitsui Outlet Park (MOP) KLIA.
Sources and Methodology
This report synthesises factual reporting published by Paul Tan's Automotive News on 5 October 2026, citing investigation details originally documented by Berita Harian. All monetary figures are reported in Ringgit Malaysia (RM) directly from the primary sources without conversion or aggregation. Operational context reflects regulatory oversight managed by the Road Transport Department (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan). This article was last updated on 5 October 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against reporting by Paul Tan's Automotive News and Berita Harian.