KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 -- So what exactly is a kereta sapu? 

This is when drivers of private cars or vans illegally offer to drive you around for a spot of sightseeing in Malaysia, at cheaper prices than licensed tour vans and tour buses.

Malaysian Tour Van Drivers Association (PVPM) chairman Simon Sim said such illegal tour services are threatening the livelihood of licensed tour transport operators.

Unlike licensed tour transport operators who face higher operating costs, strict regulations and no diesel subsidies, Sim said private vehicle owners and even e-hailing drivers can benefit from their Budi95 petrol subsidies to offer cheaper prices to tourists.

Sim said e-hailing vehicles are only supposed to bring passengers from po...