Taxi drivers must keep up with technological advancement to be more competitive

Taxi drivers must be in tune with technological advancements in order to compete with Uber and GrabCar drivers, said Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi.

He said the old system was no longer applicable as today, there is a system which allows the service to be at a person's house quickly and easily.

"In today's business dealings, we cannot run away from technology, and we cannot use a system which is primitive. However, the government is working out a plan which takes everybody's interests into consideration.

"So, taxi drivers do not need to worry as the government will look after the existing taxi service which will be transformed.

"I am confident that this year, we will solve it together with SPAD (Land Public Transport Commission)," he told a media conference after launching the Motorcyclists Safety Campaign 2016 here today.

In the incident on Tuesday, about 300 taxi drivers took part in a protest held in the Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur area by parking their vehicles along the road and obstructing traffic in a show of protest against the Uber and GrabCar services which they claimed affected their income.

Abdul Aziz also advised the taxi drivers to comply with and observe regulations set by the government such as charging according to the meters, and not imposing extra charges on passengers.

"We received complaints from the public that many taxi drivers do not observe the rules such as using meters, imposing extra charges. The public today wants more transparent service and they are more confident with Uber which is more transparent.

He added that taxi drivers are facing problems because not many people are using their services.

Earlier, at the event, Abdul Aziz also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Syarikat Linde Malaysia Sdn Bhd and the Road Safety Department.

Linde Malaysia will be the main sponsor for the campaign and a special advocacy programme called Op Cerah which will be implemented in all states from 2016 until 2018.

The campaign will focus on motorcycle and pillion riders who are among the road users with the highest fatality rates.

Linde Malaysia has donated RM150,000 to the campaign and programme.