TAXI drivers are not getting any sympathy from social media commentators after some of them walked out during a dialogue with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in Langkawi.
The majority of the commentators say taxi drivers should move with the times and stop demanding for more government regulations on e-hailing companies.
In a dialogue held in Langkawi with taxi drivers earlier today, Dr Mahathir Mohamad offered to resign as prime minister after a group of disgruntled taxi drivers created a commotion and left the hall when the prime minister was explaining measures put in place by Putrajaya to level the playing field for them.
The common sentiment among social media users was that Malaysian taxi services were unreliable compared with their e-hailing counterparts, leading to dissatisfaction amongst customers.
“A lot of taxi drivers are inconsiderate in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur. This is why people choose other services like GRABCAR. Teksi Malaysia, learn something please!” Twitter handler ‘UncleJay teckyew’ said.
Twitter user Anis Huszainey was unhappy with the evident difference in prices between taxis and an e-hailing service. A short taxi ride costing her RM20 had left her very unhappy during her trip to Kuala Lumpur, as she paid much less when she chose to use the Grabcar alternative.
“I was staying in KL during the summer and tried to take a #teksi from my place to head over to Pavillion, which is about 10 mins walking distance and they charged RM20 for that. While #Grab was at least 50% less than that,” she said.
Other social media users were also unhappy with the disrespect shown to the Prime Minister by those who left the dialogue.
A Facebook user named Michelle Kueh said taxi drivers had only themselves to blame for the current situation as they had long been arrogant and cheated customers prior to the arrival of e-hailing services.
She wrote, “No need to resign Tun. The taxi drivers killed their own industrial by cheating and through their own arrogance when they monopoly the market. The taxi drivers don’t need you, but our country and the Rakyat needs you even more now.”
Facebook user Khoo Soo Kee offered taxi drivers a solution – focus on the public’s interest instead. He said taxi drivers should change and be more helpful to the government, and said that it could have been a political ploy to cause a ruckus at the dialogue.
“After reading so many negative comment(s) on the taxi service, Tun Dr Mahathir should just ignore the 10 taxi drivers who may be acting in proxy of some political party with vested interest. We hope Tun and the Government act (for) what is best for the RAKYAT unless the taxi drivers endeavour to change and work together with the e-hailing company to serve the RAKYAT” he said.
The lack of will by taxi drivers to compete with e-hailing rides have netizens wondering how long taxi drivers will depend on the government to assist them as their industry falls into a steady decline.
Twitter handler @SyafiqBajunid tweeted that taxis will not be able to compete if they did not keep up with the times. He questioned the taxi associations’ dependence on special privileges from the government and lack of initiatives to compete with current e-hailing firms.
In his meeting with taxi drivers, Dr Mahathir said that Grab would be required to use vehicles approved by the government as well as pay insurance and taxes, just like the taxis, in a bid to ensure fair competition.
He also said that it was unfair that there had been no progress from the Transport Ministry on this matter, while adding that Putrajaya could put in place laws that would level the playing field for taxi drivers and those in the e-hailing service sector.
However, taxi associations are refusing to budge and want the government to ban e-hailing services like Grab. – October 21, 2018.
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Comments
Yes, because of some bad apples, the good drivers are also affected. The onus then lies with taxi associations and the good divers to change the bad ass attitude of taxi drivers.
Nobody is interested in sitting in dirty taxis..
They over charge, they are rude, and so forth.
As a paying passenger, why should I subject myself to these conditions. I deserve better and if taxi drivers cant meet my expectations, it is my decision to choose Grab Car.
Posted 7 years ago by TTs Take · Reply
The taxi cartels and gangsters should be taught a lesson..
Posted 7 years ago by TTs Take · Reply
The country needs Tun Dr M. He is far more valuable because of his direction and vision in lifting the country from near bankruptcy to a healthy nation. He is indispensable.
But the country doesnt need a single taxi. They can get lost. No room for sympathy. Take it or leave it. We can make do with Grabcar.
Posted 7 years ago by TTs Take · Reply
Posted 7 years ago by Justin Leno · Reply
Posted 7 years ago by Mo Hisham · Reply
Posted 7 years ago by Hong Leong Ooi · Reply
Posted 7 years ago by Will Be Humble · Reply
Posted 7 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply