Putrajaya being unfair to taxi drivers, says Najib

SM Amin SM Amin Updated 7 years ago · Published on 16 Jan 2019 4:16PM · 7 Comments

Former prime minister Najib Razak meeting with taxi drivers at his home on Jalan Langgak Duta today. Najib said taxi drivers are being abandoned by the government as it moves to embrace e-hailing services. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Afif Abd Halim, January 16, 2019.

PUTRAJAYA’S support for e-hailing services has left many taxi drivers feeling helpless and unable to survive in the increasingly competitive market, said former prime minister Najib Razak.

Najib said several taxi driver representatives have expressed their disappointment at the government’s plans to set up a hub for Grab drivers to collect passengers at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

“Conditions that are set for Grab are too lax, that they can wear shorts and all that. There are some which are unfair, such as KLIA having a hub for Grab cars,” said Najib after meeting the taxi drivers.

“If you look at the model of e-hailing, you shouldn’t be waiting there (at KLIA), they (drivers) need to be on the move and when there is a need, they can come.

“But at KLIA, it’s as if it is a taxi service,” said Najib.

Former prime minister Najib Razak speaking with taxi drivers at his home on Jalan Langgak Duta today. Najib said the BN government used to give taxi drivers aid to keep them competitive as e-hailing services now dominate the market. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Afif Abd Halim, January 16, 2019.

Najib said that while his administration had approved the entry of e-hailing services, he had also implemented programmes to support taxi drivers to protect them and ensure they would remain competitive.

“We had a special programme for taxi drivers, for example, we gave an aid of RM5,000 to buy a new taxi, policies to be given individual licenses and we have even given free tires.

“We were in the process of finding the best formula to ensure that the e-hailing and taxi services can work on a level playing field. This was in the process, when the general election happened,” he said.

The former finance minister said the taxi drivers also claimed their applications to obtain low-cost housing units have been rejected by the new government.

Former prime minister Najib Razak posing for photographs on a motorcycle at his home on Jalan Langgak Duta today. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Afif Abd Halim, January 16, 2019.

“Even though they have requested, they have not been considered. I think this isn’t fair to them because they are Malaysians who work hard and for long hours.

“They need homes at minimal costs as their earnings are not fixed. I think the government should consider this and give the low-cost homes to taxi drivers.”

The Road and Transport Department recently confirmed that Grab cars are permitted to pick up passengers from KLIA at designated areas to ensure that they are not illegal taxi operators. – January 16, 2019.

Sign up or sign in here to comment.

Comments

  • Liar ..werent the e hailing cars a deal with your partner in crime??

    Posted 7 years ago by Alphonz Jayaraman · Reply

  • You should say taxi drivers unfair to customers. Always a nuisance when they jam up the bus stop area to wait for customers... Wake up and use technology...It's really stupid to help them.

    Posted 7 years ago by Will Be Humble · Reply

  • You spoon fed the taxi drivers, now they cannot reinvent themselves nor compete. You allowed a business model that the taxis will never make enough money. Grab is clean and efficient. We don't get grab drivers road hogging or spitting out their phlegm out the window.

    Posted 7 years ago by Mo Salleh · Reply

  • The taxi drivers are like thugs to their passengers and tourist. They should cease to exist if they can't change and improve. Dirty, smelly and badly maintained cabs. To top it all drivers are rude. So what if grab drivers wear shorts, they are more well mannered. What's the point of wearing white shirts if they've turned grey or yellow or brown .... disgusting !

    Posted 7 years ago by Mo Salleh · Reply

  • Taxi drivers expect monopolistic business. They have to change their attitude towards business and move on with changing times.. or risk being left behind! Thats all..
    No point barking up the wrong tree. Rather they should work with the government to embrace change..
    The wrong tree also in trouble.. Will be getting busy soon with all the criminal charges..

    Posted 7 years ago by Kampung Boy · Reply

  • Rakyat Rejects taxi drivers We want GRAB which is Fast Efficient n Clean Service. Taxi Penipu Service same like Najib

    Posted 7 years ago by Tharan Singh · Reply