Govt to launch 300 taxis for women

Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) will launch more than 300 special taxis which will be driven by female drivers as part of the government's efforts to tackle crime and ensure the safety of women. The ministry’s Secretary General Datuk Seri Dr. Noorul Ainur Mohd Nur said, at the same time, the initiative also aims to increase the income of low-income women She said, the initiative run by the ministry is mobilized under the ‘1Azam Khidmat’ program. "The taxis which will be driven by women are consisting of single mothers and housewives. They will be known as ‘Teman 1Azam’, "she told Astro Awani. According to Dr Noorul, all drivers involved were given training to be ethical drivers. The launch of 300 taxis for women is an addition to 50 taxis which was launched in November 2011. During the launch, former Deputy Minister Datuk Heng Seai Kei said the initiative is targeting up to 400 taxis that will operate via phone booking in the Klang Valley. Female taxi passenger’s safety problems had been the focus in recent years due to increment in criminal cases. On March 11, a US citizen was gang-raped and robbed in Sungai Pelek, Sepang after boarding a taxi from Mutiara Damansara to Damansara Perdana. Police then set up a team to investigate the case and arrested nine suspects, including three women, to facilitate investigations. Police also believe the case has been solved. Meanwhile, Dr. Noorul said crime and violence against women could only be stopped by providing special taxis for women. "We need to change the minds of men towards violence. This awareness should not only be propagated on certain days, but it should be continuously disseminated through electronic media, print media, non-governmental organizations and institutions of higher learning, "she said. Dr. Noorul also said that to appreciate and to respect women and not see women as people who can be victimised must be planted since the early age, especially in school. How to get a women’s taxi? • Taxi will have ‘Teksi Wanita’ sticker. • Operation conducted by three respective companies: Destination Transport, Zalnas Sdn Bhd dan Koperasi Pengangkutan Putra¬jaya and Cyberjaya. • Call 03-80240507, 03-26926000 or 03-88884020 for female drivers.