KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 -- Three Malaysian men have been sentenced to jail and fined after being caught illegally collecting parking fees in the Pudu area.

The arrests were made during Kuala Lumpur City Hall's (DBKL) "Jaga" special operations conducted on Thursday.

The operation targeted hotspots along Jalan Yew and Jalan Pasar Baharu following numerous public complaints regarding unauthorised "jaga kereta (parking tout)" activities.

The three individuals were brought before the court on Friday, to face charges under Section 50(3) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

All three pleaded guilty and were sentenced to fines ranging from RM1,200 to RM2,500. In addition to the monetary penalties, the court imposed prison sentences of between two and...