Taxi drivers under BBPTB to continue with new rates

Taxi drivers under the Meter Taxi Drivers Action Body (BBPTB) will continue with the new fare rates despite the Cabinet asking the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) to postpone the increase.

BBPTB Chairman Amran Jam said unless there is a circular from SPAD Chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar or Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, taxi drivers will continue to operate with the new rates.

"It is relevant and can help improve the livelihood of taxi drivers. It is appropriate and we’ve been waiting for the increase for seven years now. It was postponed before this due to the country’s economic problems,” he explained during a gathering of around 100 of its members at Petronas, Jalan Cochrane on Sunday.

He also disagreed with the statements made by politicians, NGOs and the public who opposed to the new increased rates.

"For us, that view is not in line with what we are facing. We have to pay rent, operational costs, repair and we also have the daily cost of living to take care of.

“Many speak up wanting to be the people's champion. But they should also think of us. When we get this increment, people start to question it,” he said.

He also said that around 40 to 50 percent of BBPTM members have recalibrated their meter.

“Who will compensate our money back? This does not include the hours spent at the shop to recalibrate the meter and also the inspection at Puspakom.

“We will continue with the new price. The taxis who have not done so, we will also them to continue to recalibrated their meters,” he said.

When asked what they plan to do if SPAD must abide by the Cabinet’s decision, Amran said they will probably hold another rally to protest.

“We may go on a strike. That will be decided later,” he explained.

At the same press conference, Malaysian Taxi Drivers' Transformation Association deputy chairman Kamarudin Mohd Hussain also agreed with the action to continue with the new rates.

"Do not think we will be lavish. We need to cover some costs and we can not benefit 100 per cent from this increase.

"If people want good service, it can be done. But we want our rights and income to be protected as well," he told reporters.

Meanwhile, some taxi drivers want the authorities to take a more stern action.

“We support this rate increase, but we also want the authories to take a stern action to help the taxi industry.

“Apart from this issue (new rate), we also have problems like illegal taxis and even Uber,” said taxi driver Aziz Lebai Milin, who is also chairman of the Budget Taxi Association of Rawang.

A taxi driver who wants to be known as Poknik said the rate increase is the taxi drivers’ right.

“We’ve been waiting for this since 2009. The increase is not a lot but we are still grateful.

“Also, it took me two days to recalibrate the meter – one day at the centre and another day at Puspakom. Therefore, I will still continue with the new rate,” he said.

On March 19, SPAD announced a fare increase for taxis of between 20 and 67 per cent but yesterday the government asked SPAD to postpone the move.