Uber, an international taxi-booking apps several parties for using the media to “intimidate” public transportation users in Malaysia.

In a statement published via its blog (http://blog.uber.com/KLfacts), Uber named a couple of head honchos from local taxi associations which had allegedly attempted to “scare” local users - discouraging users to use its app called, 'Uber'.

The individuals are Deputy President of the Gabungan Persatuan dan Syarikat-Syarikat Teksi Semenanjung Malaysia (GABUNGAN) Datuk Mohd Alias Abdul took to the media with Executive Director of Sunlight Radio Taxi Service Sdn Bhd, Ab Jalil Maarof to try and scare Malaysians away from Uber, said the statement.

Uber hit headlines on Wednesday following a statement issued by the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) which likened the service to kereta sapu or illegal taxi.

SPAD stated there have been several issues with regards to Uber, such as using private vehicles to ferry fare-paying passengers and also drivers without Public Service Vehicle (PSV) driving license.

It was reported that SPAD had contacted Uber via email and it has not received any feedback from the company.

Uber, in its latest blog entry said: “Uber welcomes the chance to discuss with government and non-government officials how innovation can help transform KL’s transportation system.”

In a related development, the Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) urged the public transport authorities to focus efforts towards reforming the taxi services in Kuala Lumpur and not find fault from the these alternative services.

According to a statement made by its CEO Wan Saiful Wan Jan, the government should welcome and consolidate services like Uber after it is well-received by the public.

"The fact that many choose Uber even though they are not regulated just shows the public’s confidence in the current taxi services," said Wan Saiful.

"The solution is not to ban Uber. Instead, establish an equivalent taxi service to Uber," he said.

Uber is a ride sharing service which connects passengers with drivers of vehicles for hire through its App.

The business kicked off as a start-up in San Francisco in 2009. In Kuala Lumpur, the Uber’s service was made available last October.

Uber's services range between pricing and car used. The Uber Black service uses luxurious sedans such as Toyota Camry, Nissan Teana, and Honda Accord. uberX is the lower range service which uses Perodua Myvi, Nissan Almera and Toyota Vios.