Taxi associations are calling upon the government to assert greater control over taxi companies and drivers as a way to minimise cases of drivers being involved in crime.
This follows the recent spate of rape, assault, abduction, and robberies -- by taxi drivers-- involving female passengers.
As of Tuesday, police have arrested nine suspects, including three women and several taxi drivers in relation to a gangrape case of an American expatriate, and 15 other cases of robbery and assault in the Klang Valley.
Bestari Taxi Drivers of KL Association (Bukit Bintang) president Mohamed Asharaf Yasin said that many taxi drivers are troubled and even embarrassed at the actions of some of those who drive taxis.
“What should be done is that SPAD (Land Public Transport Commission) should not tolerate this and revoke licenses at once,” said Mohamed Asharaf.
However, he said that even before the crimes occur, SPAD should begin drastically tightening the way the industry is being regulated.
This, he said, he can done by allocating more proper taxi stands, ensuring that taxi drivers wear uniforms, and having a better system to handle permits.
“There are drivers wearing jeans, slippers. There are some guidelines, but we ask them to do it, many are stubborn, that’s why the government must be stern, enforce, check these things,” he said.
Mohamed Asharaf said that taxis should also display driver’s card at the dashboard.
“Yes, it is a must. Customers want to see the faces. Yes sometimes there are those who has a permit but they rent it to others to be drivers. That’s wong. We even have foreigners driving taxis!” he said.
On whether women-only taxis was a good initiative by the government, he said that there has been cases where the women drivers are being molested and attacked.
“I suggest that we have more places where customers can buy coupons which has the number plate of the drivers and even the name and details of the driver,” he said.
Meanwhile, Meter Taxi Drivers Action Body (BBPTB) chairman Amran Jan said that a coupon system approach was not the best solution.
“There are a lot of small suggestions, but we really need an overhaul of the industry with a proper system by the government,” said Amran.
“The public can’t just blame the drivers. There are drivers being murdered even. All these affects the perception of us taxi drivers.”
He said that there was a “lack of responsibility” by SPAD as he claimed that the authority was not being strict enough when giving out permits.
“SPAD is not handling it well. By right they should be stricter on the companies they give the permits to. These companies are profit oriented and they don’t care who are the drivers who rent from them,” he said.
Amran also said that the authorities should make sure that all permits are only given to full time taxi drivers and only Malaysians.
“We can only control full timers. If there are too many part time drivers around, the whole thing will be a mess and the quality would drop. We also shouldn’t be allowing all sorts of people, including foreigners as drivers,” he said.
Teoh El Sen
Wed Mar 20 2013
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.