More than a hundred taxi drivers in Klang Valley held a protest on Monday against 'GrabCar' a chauffeured service offered by online taxi service, MyTeksi.
The taxi drivers claimed the GrabCar service has been affecting their income, not to mention creating unfairness for Malaysian taxi industry.
"This is unfair. We worked hard to get the special licence, driver's card but they easily become 'taxi drivers' just because they used the GrabCar application," Subang Jaya Taxi Association Secretary, S. Mathavan.
The Grabcar app enables anyone to offer pick up and drop-off services to any destination, using normal cars.
It also doesn't require its drivers to own a vocational driving licence or even a taxi permit.
The cars that are used do not need to go through inspections and obtain certification from the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom).
"Passengers will be exposed to various risks because both the driver and the car are not registered with the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD).
"There are also GrabCar drivers who used to be taxi drivers whose driving licenses and permits were revoked for committing road offenses and crimes. So there is no guarantee of safety for the passengers," said Mathavan.
The gathering was followed by the submission of a protest memorandum to MyTeksi, hoping they can put pressure on MyTeksi to remove GrabCar services.
According to Mathavan, the handing over of the memorandum was made after being disappointed with the authorities, as their previous complaints have fallen on deaf ears.
"We have filed many complaints to SPAD before, but the answers are always the same - that they will issue an instruction to the authorities to take action.
"Until now, no action has been taken... in fact, we were given the reason that the matter was not under SPAD's jurisdiction," he said.
Most of these protesters were taxi drivers under MyTeksi. They decided to boycott the service for seven days starting Monday after being disappointed with MyTeksi for introducing GrabCar without consulting the drivers first.
"If this call is not heeded, we will not hesitate to take further action," he said.
Meanwhile, PERS1M Vice President Kamarudin Mohd Hussain said any taxi association that fights for the right of taxi drivers will be supported.
According Kamarudin, the government had previously advised taxi drivers to upgrade their services apart from strengthening the taxi industry by introducing Taxi Rakyat 1Malaysia (TR1M).
"But when such services (like GrabCar) were allowed to exist, how would these recommendations achieve its goal?
"We do not intend to leave out the government, but it won't be impossible because we would forced to do it, as nobody wants to protect our rights as taxi drivers," he added.
Astro Awani
Tue Jun 30 2015
Most of these protesters were taxi drivers under MyTeksi who decided to boycott the service after being disappointed with MyTeksi for introducing GrabCar without consulting the drivers.
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.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.