Errant cabbies and tourist guides bane of the industry

KUALA LUMPUR: There are only two aspects now preventing the country’s tourism industry from performing at its best – taxi drivers and tourist guides.

Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Donald Lim, who identified the two front-liners as the “final frontier” in making Malaysia stand proud as a tourist destination, said the Government had done what it could and it was now up to them to make a change.

“Errant cabbies have been warned and punished, but despite repeated efforts by the Government, many still overcharge and refuse to use their meters and are rude.

“We have done what we can, and it is now up to them and the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (CVLB) to assess whether they are playing their role to help the country’s tourism industry,” he said.

Lim also urged the CVLB to re-assess its administrative and operating systems in handling the recurrent problem of errant cabbies.

He added that a new comprehensive system was needed to ensure that the situation would improve, and suggested the CVLB look at other countries for inspiration.

Speaking during the launch of the SEGi College Hotel Management and Tourism Programmes here yesterday, Lim also pointed out the need for tourist guides to learn more languages to attract more tourists from more countries.

“Our tourist guides are excellent when it comes to English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and even Japanese.

“But then again, we have to broaden our scope because we also have many tourists who do not speak English very well.

“West Asian tourists, for example, would definitely be impressed if tourist guides could speak Arabic, and they make up the bulk of tourist arrivals per year.

“Even Spanish and French should be picked up as they are widely spoken in many parts of the world,” he said, adding that there were 460,000 people in Malaysia involved in the tourism industry which contributes some 8% of the nation’s gross domestic product.

Lim also urged for the public to play their role in welcoming tourists to achieve the Government’s target of 20 million tourist arrivals this year.

I dunno what's wrong with some taxi drivers.They have many strange and bad attitudes. Before I ended high school,when I rarely use taxi,I tot this matter is exaggerated.But during college when I have to use taxi sometimes,I see that most allegations towards them are true.

Once I tried to take a taxi from Wangsa Maju to Sungei Wang.The taxi driver refused...not just that...sped off with me still holding the passenger door..I could have been hit. But the stupid driver had the back door still opening when he drove off...retard? :nuts: I also really dislike taking taxis ouside KL city where they dun use meter at all and charge recklessly

Besides that,my Swiss cousin was almost molested by a taxi driver..luckily she forced herselfout of the taxi...taxi drivers hands like to go to places where they shouldn't....when reported our 'professional police force' malas nak layan pulak.My Swiss cousin travelled to Cuba and South America sometimes alone and that was her first experience,in her second home country.:ohno:.Some taxis are actually molester/crooks on wheels.

Some taxis, well....they dont use meters, fix the rate....that is annoying for example in a crowded taxi stand..many passengers refused to take the taxi because the driver charged tecklessly, after the taxi driver can't find a passenger in the taxi stand, he just drove away....

Apart from that, i want our taxis got a clear "hired/vacant" sign on taxi, so that we know the taxi is either vacant or not from far away, at night....

Another improvement i want to see, is that....taxi driver should have an examination to gauge their knowledge on the road...

My mom says the Blue cab taxis in Jakarta safer to use than in Malaysia. The Blue can taxi driver actually returned a file she left in the car. KL bila nak ada taxi camni!!!!!:bash:

My mom says the Blue cab taxis in Jakarta safer to use than in Malaysia. The Blue can taxi driver actually returned a file she left in the car. KL bila nak ada taxi camni!!!!!:bash:

Blue bird, the trsuted one! Also, in KL, I left my new camera, i didn't notice that, surprisingly, the taxi driver came back. He's young as well!

.....Once I tried to take a taxi from Wangsa Maju to Sungei Wang.The taxi driver refused...not just that...sped off with me still holding the passenger door .....
:hahaha:
Having experienced first hand the horrendous traffic congestion in the so called golden triangle, I would be very much inclined to do pecisely the same if I was the cab driver !
:wink2:

Skyvan At KL Sentral To Be Removed If Taxis Stick To Rules


KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 (Bernama) -- The Skyvan service at KL Sentral (http://www.skybus.com.my/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=16) will be stopped if taxi drivers stick to rules and charge passengers according to the meter.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the skyvans might be asked to operate at other locations if the taxi fares were already stable, he told reporters when asked what action would be taken following the complaint from some taxi drivers after the Skyvans started operations in July last year.

Tengku Adnan earlier opened the 5th Global Indian Shopping Festival 2007 (GISF'07) at Midvalley Megamall near here today.

Also present were Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister Datuk S.Veerasinggam and Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia Ashok K.Kanta.

Tengku Adnan said the Skyvans were put in service to supplement the service of the Skybus (http://www.skybus.com.my/)which ply between the low cost carrier terminal (LCCT) to KL Central.

He said he was informed that some taxi drivers charged as high as RM50 from Bangsar to KL Sentral.

Commenting on the statement by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak that at least 8,000 Malaysian restaurants would be opened throughout the world, he said his ministry was striving to achieve this target.

Efforts were made to promote such a restaurant in Beijing while sites have been identified for the restaurants in Hydrabad, India and Qatar, Doha.

On the festival, he said it could help promote Malaysian goods to foreigners.

The event, organized by Agenda Suria Communication and Mahaa Network since 2003, attracted 220 exhibitors and 254,175 visitors last year,

GISF'07 which will be held for 10 days beginning June 1 saw 218 booths set up to accommodate exhibitors from India including from Kashmir, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Calcutta, Mumbai, Orissa, Punjab, Gujarat, Karnataka and Kerala Pakista.

-- BERNAMA

Taxis in Shah Alam refuse to use meter

DARJIT, of Kota Kemuning, cannot hold back her anger because most taxi drivers in Shah Alam do not use the meter.




“Every day, I take a taxi from Sri Muda to Kota Kemuning to work, and the fare is a burden to me.

“I’m a 56-year-old woman, that’s why I take the taxi — it is convenient and comfortable.

“If I travel by bus, I have to squeeze in with the other passengers. It’s worse if I don’t get a seat during the journey.”

She says she has to spend RM20 or more on taxi fares every day.

“The cabbies always charge more if the passengers are Indonesians or Pakistanis.

“All the taxi drivers here refuse to use the meter, some of them cover it with a towel. Some have not even installed the meter.

“One day, a cabbie forgot to cover it, and the meter clearly showed that the registered fare was only RM6.80 from Sri Muda to Kota Kemuning. But he still charged me RM10.”

DARJIT claims taxi drivers always ask passengers if they want to be charged according to the meter.

“I hope the authorities will investigate and take action as soon as possible.”

- ROAD Transport Department enforcement director Salim Parlan appeals to errant taxi drivers to behave, otherwise they will continue to tarnish the image of their profession.

“We have special task forces at four places — the Klang Valley, Johor, Penang and Kuala Lumpur International Airport — to identify taxi drivers who refuse to use meters and who overcharge their passengers.

“I will ask the enforcement team in Selangor to investigate the matter.

“We welcome public complaints on the services provided by taxis to improve them.”

Public Cab Company Website

http://www.publiccab.com/

Serving Klang Valley, Seremban & JB

Maxi Cab

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JPJ going all-out against errant cabbies

By FARIK ZOLKEPLI

JOHOR BARU: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is going all out against errant taxi drivers.

Its Federal Enforcement director Salim Parlan announced an operation that kicks off Monday to prevent tourists from being victimised by irresponsible taxi drivers.

He said the department had received complaints that some taxi drivers had overcharged or even refused to take tourists to certain destinations.

"We do not want such actions to tarnish the nation's image, what with a huge number of tourists coming to the country during Visit Malaysia Year.

"We are also warning all taxi drivers to abide by the rules and regulations," he said.

Salim told a press conference here that the operation would focus on major cities in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor.

"We will also monitor the situations in shopping centres and other areas in the four states," said Salim.

JPJ perangi ‘ulat’ di 4 negeri mulai hari ini
Oleh Srihanasham Noordin



JOHOR BAHRU: Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) akan memerangi kegiatan ‘ulat’ dan pemandu teksi yang tidak mematuhi peraturan secara besar-besaran di empat negeri, terutama di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) dan Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) di Sepang, bermula hari ini.

Pengarah Penguat Kuasa JPJ, Salim Parlan, berkata anggota dan pegawai JPJ akan ditempatkan di ruang pejabat diberikan Malaysia Airport Berhad di KLIA dan LCCT bagi kegunaan dan kemudahan JPJ melaksanakan operasi penguatkuasaan.

Katanya, pelbagai kaedah akan digunakan untuk membanteras kegiatan ulat dan pemandu teksi degil termasuk menerusi penyamaran anggota JPJ sebagai penumpang di lokasi tertentu.

"Operasi secara intensif akan dilakukan sebagai kesinambungan daripada siri operasi JPJ selama ini. Kita memberi fokus kepada Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor dan Pulau Pinang kerana empat negeri itu menggunakan teksi bermeter," katanya di sidang media di pejabat JPJ Johor, di sini, semalam.

Hadir sama, Pengarah JPJ Johor, Rosli Ramli.

Salim berkata, berdasarkan siasatan, pemandu teksi dan ulat menjadikan pelancong asing sebagai sasaran mereka dengan mengenakan tambang mahal tanpa menggunakan meter di lokasi tumpuan ramai seperti KLIA, LCCT, terminal pengangkutan awam dan pusat beli-belah.

"Pada bulan ini, kita menjangkakan ibu negara akan dibanjiri pelancong dari Asia Barat dan sikap ulat serta pemandu teksi yang tidak bertanggungjawab tentunya mencemarkan nama baik Malaysia," katanya.

Sementara itu, katanya, Ops Tutup siri keenam akan dilakukan di seluruh Johor dengan mengadakan sekatan jalan raya 24 jam di 14 lokasi statik selama dua minggu bermula hari ini hingga 5 Ogos ini.

Katanya, enam lokasi statik bagi sekatan jalan raya dipilih di bandar raya ini dan masing-masing satu lokasi di Segamat, Kluang dan Mersing serta dua di Batu Pahat dan tiga di Muar.

"Seramai 170 anggota dan pegawai dari JPJ Johor dan beberapa negeri lain akan melakukan Ops Tutup di Johor dengan mengadakan sekatan di kebanyakan jalan utama, manakala 13 pasukan ronda akan membuat rondaan mengesan kesalahan di jalan raya," katanya.

1,300 cabbies go on strike in Penang

BY TAN SIN CHOW

PENANG: Some 1,300 taxi drivers, all members of the Penang Federation of Taxi Drivers Association, have gone on a “boycott” following what they claim is “constant harassment” by the authorities over the past five days.

Association president Osman Majid said the members had “grounded” their vehicles since yesterday evening.

“Enough is enough. We cannot take it anymore. We are being summoned for not using meters and simple reasons such as not wearing our uniform,” Osman said.

“This is ridiculous. Our permits do not stipulate that we must be in uniform. We only have to be in ‘smart and neat’ clothes. We feel that we are being harassed,” he said at the Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal here yesterday.


Unhappy lot: Some of the Penang Federation of Taxi Drivers Association members showing the summonses they received at the Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal yesterday.
Osman said the federation’s members had received more than 100 summonses since Friday for offences like wearing jeans and sneakers.

He said more than 100 members had their permits temporarily suspended.

“Our taxis will not be on the road unless the authorities called off the roadblocks. We are scared to go on the road as we fear getting more summonses,” he said.

Osman said the roadblocks were put up in Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah, Gelugor, Komtar, Weld Quay, Bukit Jambul and Jalan Bagan Jermal under a joint operation by the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB), Road Transport Department and police,

State Local Government, Traffic Management, Information and Community Relations Committee chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan said he supported the action taken against taxi drivers who flouted the meter ruling which was enforced on Aug 1 last year.

“If they were wrongfully summoned, surely there will be avenues for them to appeal,” he said.

CVLB chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran said the board would continue mounting roadblocks. On the uniform ruling, he said taxi drivers were required to wear black pants, white shirts and shoes.

Canadian teen fends off attack by cabbies

KUALA LUMPUR: When the taxi driver he hailed refused to use the meter, a Canadian decided against using the taxi. For doing so, the driver and three others attacked him with batons and bamboo sticks.

However, the four were unable to prevail against the burly 17-year-old Julian Sebastian Beh Pold, who managed to fend them off and escaped with just a few bruises.


Julian: ‘When the driver refused to use the meter, I got out’
Julian who weighs 114kg and stands 1.83m, plays American football at his school in Quebec.

Julian said he was in Petaling Street with some friends on Friday night when he decided to take a cab home.

“When the driver refused to use the meter, I got out of the cab and slammed the door telling him that what he was doing was against the law.

“Later, he came back with three of his friends and scolded me for slamming his door claiming I had damaged his taxi.”

Julian, who is holidaying here, said they then attacked him with batons and bamboo sticks.

His friend, Dennis Barry, who witnessed the incident called the police immediately.

Julian said he did not retaliate and only blocked the attacks because he did not want to be blamed for being the aggressor if he had fought back.

Julian’s father, Robert Beh, said the company that owned the taxi had been identified.

Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran said he would look into the incident.

THese taxis drivers make us very shameful.:ohno:

thats crap..

Actually, blame JPJ... they make cabbies livelihood difficult by corruption - give bribe or else won't issue license for the cab... then summon this that not using a proper meter etc... heard it from a taxi driver. Get rid of these corrupted pests and we will have good taxi drivers like those in Singapore.

Crackdown on illegal taxi service

A total of 45 vehicles worth millions of ringgit were seized over the past two months in a series of raids on syndicates operating illegal taxi services at the KLIA.

Road Transport Department (JPJ) deputy director-general Solah Mat Hassan said the vehicles were used to ferry passengers arriving at the airport to various destinations.


One of it: Solah Mat Hassan pointing to the seized vehicle at KLIA yesterday. Looking on is Datuk Kamaruddin Mohd Ismail.
Among the vehicles impounded were Mercedes Benz, Kia vans and Proton Perdana cars, he said.

“We suspect the illegal taxi service was operated by syndicates as the activity is well organised. There are people appointed to canvas for passengers while others called the drivers, who would fetch the passengers,” he said.

Solah said that the JPJ used plainclothes officers to trail and detain the vehicles with the help of the police and the Malaysia Airports Berhad’s security officers.

He said the undercover operations started in July.

“The owners of the seized vehicle also risk losing their vehicles permanently as the department can apply to the courts to have the vehicle registration cancelled,” he said.

He also said 17 touts were arrested and charged since July this year.

“After carrying out the operation we disovered that the business of the legal airport taxis almost doubled,” he said.

Solah said that the JPJ had set up a permanent office at KLIA to tackle all JPJ related problems there.

“We will continue to deploy officers to detain vehicles flouting the Road Transport Act and commercial vehicle licensing requirements,” he said.

Malaysia Airports Security and Safety Services senior general manager Datuk Kamaruddin Mohd Ismail said that as off last year, more than 1,300 touts were detained at the airport area.

In an unrelated matter Solah said four express bus drivers from a major bus company in the country were detained by police in a joint operation at the Jalan Duta bus terminal on Sunday evening.

Taxi @ KL Central Railway Station

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/1420.jpg

Budget Taxi

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Kuala%20Lumpur/7520.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Kuala%20Lumpur/875410.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Kuala%20Lumpur/75861565_63047db91a_b.jpg

@ Bukit Bintang

http://img354.imageshack.us/img354/2057/37342216dc7b37987co9um.jpg

90% taxi drivers are sux!! and blood sucker!!!

below are some examples i'd faced:-

-the taxi driver wanna charge me for 20bucks from BB plaza to maluri jusco.
-from ikano power centre to kelana jaya lrt stations cost 20bucks
-the taxi driver not start the journey after press the hired button, he drinking and others thing, after 1++ minutes othe start the journey...tipu meter!!!
-stop and take other passager which are going to same destination while the meter is running and charge 2 passenger fares ( while we cant drop off in different place and will be charge accordingly)
-charge for keep stuff in bolnet but not help us to put and take out the things

is all above fair?

that why i clamin that malaysia public transportations are sux!!! not only KL...most of the place is the same...

Actually, blame JPJ... they make cabbies livelihood difficult by corruption - give bribe or else won't issue license for the cab... then summon this that not using a proper meter etc... heard it from a taxi driver. Get rid of these corrupted pests and we will have good taxi drivers like those in Singapore.

I agree. Life is actually really hard for cabbies thanx to stupid ruling and cronies.

90% taxi drivers are sux!! and blood sucker!!!

below are some examples i'd faced:-

-the taxi driver wanna charge me for 20bucks from BB plaza to maluri jusco.
-from ikano power centre to kelana jaya lrt stations cost 20bucks
-the taxi driver not start the journey after press the hired button, he drinking and others thing, after 1++ minutes othe start the journey...tipu meter!!!
-stop and take other passager which are going to same destination while the meter is running and charge 2 passenger fares ( while we cant drop off in different place and will be charge accordingly)
-charge for keep stuff in bolnet but not help us to put and take out the things

is all above fair?

that why i clamin that malaysia public transportations are sux!!! not only KL...most of the place is the same...


I face the same problem. Kelana Jaya station to 1 utama, they want $15 for a $5 ride. I did not use them. Ikano to PJ, they wanted $20 because of rain and no passengers. 1 utama to the curve, $6 for a $3.50 ride. Bloody day light robbers. I don't care if their lives are miserable, don't pass on their problems and rob the passengers.

The sickest thing is these damn taxi drivers rip off the unsuspecting tourists and they all get away with their crimes. It's like 1 big syndicate.

It's typical for me to be charged RM7 from KTM station Shah Alam to INTEC residential college. Ths distance only about 2km.I was once severely scolded by an asshole cabby when I asked to 'kurang sket' the fare.

KL should have those Bluetaxi service like in Jakarta. Safe and reliable and the driver will return any stuff u left in the car :).

^^ Ya....the taxi in taiwan ad HK also perfect...

especially from mid valley u take a taxi...plz make mure the cabby reset their meter. hey use to not reset their meter which drop their passenger from bangsar lrt station. i'd met this incident twice.

I face the same problem. Kelana Jaya station to 1 utama, they want $15 for a $5 ride. I did not use them. Ikano to PJ, they wanted $20 because of rain and no passengers. 1 utama to the curve, $6 for a $3.50 ride. Bloody day light robbers. I don't care if their lives are miserable, don't pass on their problems and rob the passengers.

The sickest thing is these damn taxi drivers rip off the unsuspecting tourists and they all get away with their crimes. It's like 1 big syndicate.

i also being scold by the cabby b4...i dont giv them a damm border...i fight them back...got one time i ask the cabby that "i giv u a knife and kill me ok?" haha...then the cabby get shocked!

the f***er cabby tought we malaysian are idiot? we are not the pitty and stupid tourists( sorry to mention this) who willing being cheated!!

who care whether is rain or not, got passenger or not!!! the passenger wont look for U (cabby) if u juz stop somewhere @ taxi terminus....plz drive around and look for ur passenger.

actually,there is a blue taxi service in kl.
They are called executive taxis..
When u all make a trip to Mid valley,make sure u look at at the entrance of the gardens(the bolevard entrance)and u will see a few blue taxis idle there with the words teksi eksekutif.
The CVLB and/or The Transport Ministry is introducing these executive taxis to curb the bad attitude of the present taxi drivers,especially charging recklessly without the meter .present taxi drivers who wish to renew their licences are encouraged to renew them into executive ones...
According to the newspaper I read some time ago,all taxies in kl will be converted to executive ones by 2014.but hey the fares will be very expensive-three times the present meter fare if im not mistaken.

thats mean we in medium level cant take taxi anymore...

malaysia taxi is a joke.
Yeah, they charge me 15 riniggit from corus hotel to great eastern. Found another taxi, cost me 4 ringgit.If they use charged system, can we report this?

Raise fares and risk losing licence, warns CVLB
M.KRISHNAMOORTHY


KUALA LUMPUR: Taxi drivers or operators who raise fares without approval risk having their licences revoked or suspended by the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB).

“No commercial or public vehicle governed by CVLB's rates can raise the fares as and when they like just because of a fuel price increase.

“Taxi drivers and operators who raise fares are in violation of the law and we can revoke or suspend their licence,” CVLB chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran told The Star.

He was responding to a fare increase by some Ipoh taxi drivers who had decided to charge a RM1 surcharge, in addition to the taxi fare.

Ipoh taxi drivers had raised the fares following the Government's announcement of petrol and diesel price increases on Thursday.

“We will check to see if there is a fare increase in Ipoh and we will have to revoke the licences if it is true,” he said.

Markiman said taxi drivers and operators had to be patient and wait for the Government to decide if there was a need for taxi fares to go up.

On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the Government would soon announce details on four swift measures to ease the burden on consumers as a result of the increase in fuel prices and electricity tariffs.

In industrialized countries only the rich can afford to use taxis regularly, ordinary working people in rich countries do not use taxis.
Have you thot why taxi drivers do not want to use the meter or overcharge.... they do this because they cannot earn enough after taking away the rental for the taxi and the cost of gas. taxi drivers are driven to do this because of the low govt fixed fares! Taxis are not public transport Taxis are a luxury. Set taxi fares at a rate that earns a decent income for the drivers and immediately you will see them use the meter, who wants to be a bad guy quarreling with passengers over the meter or overcharging- not taxi drivers. Taxi drivers are not the bad guys its us the users who demand cheap fares and expect ordinary working taxi drivers to provide the service for something less then a decent living! A fair taxi rate for taxi drivers and passengers

In industrialized countries only the rich can afford to use taxis regularly, ordinary working people in rich countries do not use taxis.
Have you thot why taxi drivers do not want to use the meter or overcharge.... they do this because they cannot earn enough after taking away the rental for the taxi and the cost of gas. taxi drivers are driven to do this because of the low govt fixed fares! Taxis are not public transport Taxis are a luxury. Set taxi fares at a rate that earns a decent income for the drivers and immediately you will see them use the meter, who wants to be a bad guy quarreling with passengers over the meter or overcharging- not taxi drivers. Taxi drivers are not the bad guys its us the users who demand cheap fares and expect ordinary working taxi drivers to provide the service for something less then a decent living! A fair taxi rate for taxi drivers and passengers
Agreed...sadly, in Malaysia taxis pass for public transport because more permits means more permit fees and more "entrepreneurs"

Never mind that they could probably get a better salary driving buses or minibuses (rapidKL pays 2000 per month including incentives!) .... the current system means lots of demand for proton.

Cheers, m

Another RM100m for public transport
By MAZWIN NIK ANIS


PUTRAJAYA: The Government has injected another RM100mil into the Public Transport Development Fund to boost the efficiency of public transportation, Entrepreneurial Development and Cooperative Minister Datuk Noh Omar said.

He said the extra aid, in addition to the RM200mil already allocated, was approved last month and would be used as loans to those who wanted to start up businesses in the public transport industry, with special attention given to individuals planning to serve as taxi drivers.

Noh said the extra funds would come in handy, as the ministry was anticipating a flood of applications for loans to purchase taxis after its proposal to lift the freeze on individual taxi permits.

"This is one of the ways to improve public transportation.

“I am going to present the proposal to lift the freeze to the Cabinet next Wednesday. We hope that once the Government approves, more people are encouraged to become taxi drivers," he told reporters after presenting approval letters for new Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board permits to some 180 applicants from the central region on Thursday.

Noh said the ministry’s aim was to achieve a ratio of one taxi for every 500 people.

“We need another 3,000 taxis to operate in the Klang Valley to achieve this ratio. We hope that by making it easy for interested parties to apply for loans, we are able to encourage more industry players,” he said.

At present, there are 21,000 taxis operating in Klang Valley.

Noh said the loans could be obtained from Mara or Bank Rakyat, with an interest rate of between 4% and 6% imposed on borrowers.

How would one classify taxi as public transportation? So, putting 3000 more taxis on the already congested road, something magical happens, and then the public transport is better, and congestion is better?

If taxi can be classified as public transport, it would be one of the least efficient one available.

Poll: Malaysian taxis among worst in world


KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian taxis are among the worst in the world, claims a survey by a local magazine.

Readers of The Expat magazine, which has a monthly circulation of 6,000 copies, gave the Malaysian taxi service a big thumbs down when compared with services in 22 other countries.

In fact, local taxis scored the lowest in almost every category polled. The survey's 200-odd respondents, comprising expatriates from 30 countries, even went so far as to brand local cabbies "a national disgrace", "a source of national shame" and "a serious threat to tourists - rude bullies and extortionists".


The most frequent complaint was of overcharging and taxi drivers refusing to take passengers who did not agree to pay a flat rate much higher than the regular fare.


The survey covered five main aspects, namely taxi quality, courtesy of drivers, availability on the street, availability by phone and driver job knowledge.


On a 10-point scale, local taxis got scores of 3.8, 4.4, 4.4, 4.8 and 5.5 for each respective aspect. This was in sharp contrast to the 8.6, 8.0, 8.1, 8.8 and 8.7 earned by taxi drivers in Singapore.


Expat Group CEO Andy Davison, whose company owns The Expat, said the high response rate combined with the absence of any really positive feedback, makes it clear people are unhappy with the current services on offer.


"In the last 10 years, we have done about 40 surveys among the resident expatriate community on many aspects of life in Malaysia.


"Most have produced very positive results, but our first survey on the taxi service has revealed a very negative picture," he said yesterday.

On suggestions on how to improve the image of local taxi drivers, Davison said that fares should be high enough that drivers would not feel the need to overcharge in order to make a living.


He also said driver training was an area that could be improved on.


When asked to comment, Taxi Operators Association chairman Datuk Aslah Abdullah said he couldn't deny the findings of the survey.


"However, you also need to check what the fares are in the other countries being compared, because that's where the problem here lies."


On training, he said drivers had undergone tutorials conducted by City Hall and taxi associations since the beginning of this year.


Folks, there you have it. Let's hear from you, the users of taxis, on the findings of the survey. Talk Back!

honestly we r the worst in the world!!!

Proton mungkin hasil model khas teksi
Oleh Suffian A Bakar

http://www.bharian.com.my/Thursday/Ekonomi/20080625231940/mainpix
KERJASAMA: Syed Zainal Abidin bertukar dokumen dengan Meriyam selepas memeterai MoU antara Proton dan GiatMara, sambil disaksikan Noh, Mohammed Azlan (dua dari kiri) dan Nam Marthinin (kanan) di Shah Alam, semalam.



PROTON Holdings Bhd bakal memonopoli pasaran kereta untuk teksi di negara ini jika cadangan kerajaan yang mahukan pengusaha teksi menggunakan model dengan satu reka bentuk standard menjadi kenyataan pada 2010.

Menteri Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi, Datuk Noh Omar berkata, Kabinet baru-baru ini meminta kementeriannya berbincang dengan Proton bagi kemungkinan pengeluar kereta nasional itu menghasilkan model kereta dengan reka bentuk unik bagi Malaysia untuk dijadikan teksi standard di jalan raya di negara ini.

"Selain reka bentuknya yang unik bagi Malaysia, ciri-ciri lain yang perlu ada pada teksi standard itu ialah tempat duduk dan tempat menyimpan barang lebih luas, penggunaan alat penjimatan petrol atau kemudahan gas asli kenderaan (NGV) serta bersesuaian dengan keperluan pelanggan, khususnya pelancong asing yang mementingkan keselesaan," katanya sambil menambah pihaknya mensasarkan model sulung teksi standard itu akan berada di pasaran menjelang 2010.



Beliau berkata demikian pada majlis memeterai memorandum persefahaman (MoU) antara Proton dan GiatMara di Shah Alam, semalam.

Menerusi perjanjian itu, Proton akan membantu GiatMara dalam membangunkan kurikulum untuk latihan automotif di pusat latihannya.

Pada majlis itu Proton diwakili Pengarah Urusannya, Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, manakala GiatMara oleh Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Meriyam Abd Majid. Hadir sama Pengerusi Proton, Datuk Mohammed Azlan Hashim dan Ketua Pengarah Mara, Datuk Nam Marthinin.

Noh berkata, kementeriannya bersedia mengeluarkan permit teksi baru jika pengusaha menggunakan teksi yang bakal dihasilkan itu nanti.

Ketika ini 38,000 teksi di Semenanjung yang mana 23,000 adalah di Lembah Klang.

Sementara itu, Azlan berkata, adalah menjadi keutamaan bagi Proton untuk membangunkan kenderaan jimat minyak dan yang terbaru ialah penghasilan kereta dengan kemudahan NGV pada model keluarannya, iaitu Saga dan Waja khusus bagi kegunaan teksi.

"Jika sebelum ini pengusaha teksi perlu memasang sendiri tangki NGV, kini mereka boleh mendapatkan terus dari Proton.

"Kemudahan itu akan dipasang sendiri Proton di kilangnya dan ia dijamin oleh Proton," katanya sambil menambah teksi dengan kemudahan NGV itu akan dikeluarkan sebelum akhir tahun ini.

Selain untuk kegunaan teksi, pihaknya juga akan memasang kemudahan sama pada model Persona yang akan dijual kepada orang ramai.

Sementara itu, Syed Zainal berkata, MoU yang dimeterai itu menggariskan pembabitan dan kerjasama Proton dengan GiatMara dalam merangka kurikulum latihan automotif kepada pelatih GiatMara.

Poll: Malaysian taxis among worst in world


KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian taxis are among the worst in the world, claims a survey by a local magazine.

Readers of The Expat magazine, which has a monthly circulation of 6,000 copies, gave the Malaysian taxi service a big thumbs down when compared with services in 22 other countries.

In fact, local taxis scored the lowest in almost every category polled. The survey's 200-odd respondents, comprising expatriates from 30 countries, even went so far as to brand local cabbies "a national disgrace", "a source of national shame" and "a serious threat to tourists - rude bullies and extortionists".


The most frequent complaint was of overcharging and taxi drivers refusing to take passengers who did not agree to pay a flat rate much higher than the regular fare.


The survey covered five main aspects, namely taxi quality, courtesy of drivers, availability on the street, availability by phone and driver job knowledge.


On a 10-point scale, local taxis got scores of 3.8, 4.4, 4.4, 4.8 and 5.5 for each respective aspect. This was in sharp contrast to the 8.6, 8.0, 8.1, 8.8 and 8.7 earned by taxi drivers in Singapore.


Expat Group CEO Andy Davison, whose company owns The Expat, said the high response rate combined with the absence of any really positive feedback, makes it clear people are unhappy with the current services on offer.


"In the last 10 years, we have done about 40 surveys among the resident expatriate community on many aspects of life in Malaysia.


"Most have produced very positive results, but our first survey on the taxi service has revealed a very negative picture," he said yesterday.

On suggestions on how to improve the image of local taxi drivers, Davison said that fares should be high enough that drivers would not feel the need to overcharge in order to make a living.


He also said driver training was an area that could be improved on.


When asked to comment, Taxi Operators Association chairman Datuk Aslah Abdullah said he couldn't deny the findings of the survey.


"However, you also need to check what the fares are in the other countries being compared, because that's where the problem here lies."


On training, he said drivers had undergone tutorials conducted by City Hall and taxi associations since the beginning of this year.


Folks, there you have it. Let's hear from you, the users of taxis, on the findings of the survey. Talk Back!

honestly we r the worst in the world!!!

Pemandu teksi caj tambang tidak ikut meter

Oleh WAN SYAMSUL AMLY WAN SEADEY

KUALA LUMPUR 25 Jun - Pemandu teksi Lembah Klang yang merosot pendapatan mereka kesan kenaikan harga minyak awal bulan ini, mula bertindak mengenakan caj sesuka hati ke atas penumpang.

Tinjauan Utusan Malaysia di sekitar Pasar Seni, bangunan Kotaraya dan Puduraya mendapati kebanyakan pemandu teksi tidak lagi mengenakan tambang ke atas penumpang berdasarkan meter.

Orang ramai yang ditemui rata-ratanya kesal dengan tindakan pemandu teksi terbabit yang jelas hanya memikirkan keuntungan sendiri tanpa mengambil kira beban pengguna.

Pembantu peribadi, Jadrul Hisham Syed Amran, 38, mendakwa keadaan itu sebenarnya sudah menjadi lumrah kepada penumpang di sekitar Pasar Seni sejak sebulan lalu.

''Kecewa. Mereka seolah-olah menjadi samseng di sini. Ramai yang sudah merungut tetapi sehingga hari ini tiada sebarang tindakan.

''Kita tidak tahu mengapa jadi begini. Kita tidak boleh terima alasan kenaikan harga minyak kerana kebanyakan teksi menggunakan gas asli (NGV)," katanya.

Malangnya, menurut Jadrul Hisham, kebanyakan penumpang tiada pilihan lain dan terpaksa menaiki teksi yang tidak menggunakan meter.

''Kebanyakannya terpaksa bayar sahaja walaupun tinggi kerana itu sahaja kenderaan awam yang ada untuk ke rumah mereka.

''Kita minta pihak berkuasa pantau segera. Gelagat pemandu teksi ini sudah melampau batas," ujarnya.

Pelajar Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Nurleila Abd. Samad, 23, amat kesal dengan tindakan pemandu teksi terbabit yang mengenakan tambang sesuka-hati atas alasan kenaikan harga minyak.

''Golongan pelajar semakin susah. Pemandu teksi ini seolah-olah pentingkan diri sendiri.

''Mereka menetapkan harga sesuka hati. Caj yang dikenakan jelas terlalu tinggi dan di luar kemampuan pelajar," jelasnya.

Pekerja swasta, Darus Sallam Abd. Manan, 30, berkata, tindakan pemandu teksi di sekitar Pasar Seni itu sebenarnya sudah berlarutan di kebanyakan tempat di Lembah Klang.

''Bukan sahaja di sini. Mereka seperti sudah sepakat jadi kumpulan teksi samseng yang tidak mahu menggunakan meter.

''Kalau murah tidak apa. Ini terlampau mahal dan membebankan penumpang," ujarnya.

Kadar permulaan untuk menggunakan perkhidmatan teksi sekarang ialah RM2 dengan tambahan 60 sen untuk setiap kilometer seterusnya.

Caj itu akan bertambah sebanyak 50 peratus jika teksi disewa pada waktu tengah malam dan beberapa sen lagi untuk tiga atau empat orang penumpang.

Wartawan Utusan Malaysia turut merasai sendiri pengalaman menaiki teksi yang enggan menggunakan meter.

Perjalanan dari Pasar Seni ke KL Sentral sejauh lima kilometer (km) yang sepatutnya hanya RM3.80 dicaj RM7 oleh pemandu teksi terbabit.

Proton to design ‘Malaysian’ taxi
by Surin Murugiah
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


SHAH ALAM: National carmaker Proton Holdings Bhd is likely to be the biggest beneficiary of a government plan to standardise taxis in the country, similar to the black cab in London or the yellow taxis in New York.

Under the plan mooted by the Cabinet recently, existing taxis comprising different makes and models will gradually be phased out and replaced with a standard model that would also be fitted with a fuel-saving device as well as the NGV kit.

Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperation Datuk Noh Omar said the government has asked Proton to design a taxi that could be uniquely identified as a “Malaysian taxi”.

“The existing taxis come in varying sizes and sometimes are not comfortable for foreigners, especially those of bigger built or with extra luggage since the smaller taxis retrofitted with NGV kits have less storage space.”

“Therefore, we need a special model that would have the space and comfort, together with a unique design,” he said.

Speaking to reporters after witnessing Proton and Giatmara sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate for the advancement of automotive education and training for Malaysian youths, Noh said the government hoped that Proton would be able to roll out the taxi model by 2010.

Proton managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said the company would study the request by the government as a change in design required extensive research and development.

He estimated that about 50,000 taxis on the road in Malaysia were of Proton models.

Syed Zainal said there had been a higher demand now for cars fitted with NGV kits, both for taxis and retail vehicles.

He said the national carmaker would start fitting new taxis with the NGV kits at its factory as it would be cheaper and carry a warranty, rather than retrofitting as done elsewhere by taxi owners currently.

He said Proton expected to start rolling out its new taxis with the NGV kit by year-end.

On the MoU with Giatmara, Syed Zainal said Proton started collaborating with training and higher education institutions since 2004 and to date had provided more than 200 vehicles worth more than RM4 million for automotive training purposes.

“This does not include engines, parts and other components as well as training curriculum and instructors that we have sponsored,” he said.

“This is part of our corporate social responsibility as we believe in giving back to the community, and education and on-the-job-training is an effective way to do so,” he said.

Taxi-ing off expats’ good books
by Kathleen Tan
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


New York’s bright yellow taxicabs are proudly iconic of the Big Apple. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of Malaysian taxis, which are recognised by expatriates for all the wrong reasons.

In The Expat magazine’s first survey on taxi service, some 200 expatriate respondents from 30 countries described the Malaysian taxi service variously as “a national disgrace”, “a serious threat to tourists”, and “bullies, rude and extortionists”.

Malaysia ranked the lowest among 22 other countries, and was compared mostly to Singapore, faring poorly with a 4.58 average score against Singapore’s 8.44 in five criteria — taxi quality, courtesy of drivers, availability on the street, availability by phone, and driver job knowledge.

According to Andy Davison, The Expat Group chief executive officer and editor of The Expat, the idea of doing the survey came about when he was chairperson of the KL Tourist Association some 15 years ago. The taxi service was a hot issue then and it was rekindled recently with the increasing number of complaints from expats, he told The Edge Financial Daily in a phone interview last Friday.

The survey was carried out via a questionnaire inserted into the 6,000 subscription copies of the magazine’s April issue. Davison noted that people who had negative views would generally be more inclined to respond.

“However, based on past surveys, our average response rate is 1.5%. Instead of the usual 60 to 100, we got 200 replies — which makes it clear that people are unhappy with the current taxi services,” he said.

He added that while the quantitative survey had only a few open-ended questions, some respondents attached police reports and “massively long” letters, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Of the 200 respondents, he said, only one thought the taxi service was “okay” while two or three others indicated, “You get what you pay for”.

The most frequent complaint among respondents was overcharging. Taxi drivers refused to use the meter, and would not take passengers unless they agreed to pay a higher flat rate, which was much higher than the regular fare.

“On the other hand, some tourists assume a RM50 ride from a hotel in KL to Bangsar is equivalent to what they pay overseas until they’re told by locals that the usual price is around RM13!” Davison said.

He said that taxi drivers were not bothered by the complaints, even laughing at expatriates who threatened to report them to the authorities. “Every taxi driver should be carefully selected and trained,” he said.

Another complaint was taxi drivers’ lack of knowledge — one respondent, American John Wharton, said he “had to give a driver directions to the Subang airport”.

Davison said: “Driver training is another area for improvement. There is no reason why drivers should not be expected to know how to get from A to B. They should also have a clear code of conduct and be expected to follow it. Perhaps there should be a penalty system for those drivers who break the rules.”

A British woman who has lived in Malaysia for 18 years said: “The taxi standards in Malaysia give the tourists the wrong impression immediately on arrival.”

Davison agrees. “Business visitors who come to Malaysia looking for a place to set up their local operations would be impressed by modern buildings and nice hotels but end up being ripped off by the taxis,” he said.

He believes the taxi system here is flawed and that remuneration must be adequate so that taxi drivers would not resort to overcharging passengers.

Commenting on a Swiss expat’s suggestion of implementing a properly managed hotline like in Hong Kong, Davison said that expats had complained of calls made to the Malaysian hotline going unanswered. “Hotlines can only work if it is made mandatory for every taxi to display hotline contact details; defaced signs should be penalised,” he said.

“Enforcement is critical — you’re not going to tell the driver, ‘C’mon guys, be nice, you’re going to affect the economy’! Any successful system must have maintenance to support it — sufficient phone lines, properly trained staff, prompt follow-up and a team empowered to investigate complaints, implement solutions and hand out penalties,” he said.

Now, Those KL Taxi cabs are askign for 10 Ringgit even taking a few km ride (such as IMBI to KLCC) ...

Imbi to KLCC, to get there maybe either take Monorail then change to KJ line, or perhaps, if don't mind walking....there's always a long walk from Imbi to KLCC, passing through Pavilion KL...

Imbi to KLCC, to get there maybe either take Monorail then change to KJ line, or perhaps, if don't mind walking....there's always a long walk from Imbi to KLCC, passing through Pavilion KL...


At that time, I got so exhausted that I could NOT go to IMBI Monorail station at all ... Just want to go directly to my hotel (Corus Hotel)

Proton to design ‘Malaysian’ taxi
by Surin Murugiah
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


SHAH ALAM: National carmaker Proton Holdings Bhd is likely to be the biggest beneficiary of a government plan to standardise taxis in the country, similar to the black cab in London or the yellow taxis in New York.

Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperation Datuk Noh Omar said the government has asked Proton to design a taxi that could be uniquely identified as a “Malaysian taxi”. Something like the proposed "Islamic" car that was mentioned last year? :bash:

“The existing taxis come in varying sizes and sometimes are not comfortable for foreigners, especially those of bigger built or with extra luggage since the smaller taxis retrofitted with NGV kits have less storage space.”

“Therefore, we need a special model that would have the space and comfort, together with a unique design,” he said. Has he actually taken a taxi? There is no need for a special design. Just stop using the Iswara and the Wira. They are unsuitable for taxi uses.

Use a Perodua Kenari or Myvi as a budget taxi or town taxi as they have the headroom and elbow room needed. Use the Proton Waja and the Hyundai Sonata as the Executive Taxies. Use Mercedes-Benz E-Class and SsangYong Rexton as Premier Taxies.

Make Premier Taxies the top of the line, followed by executive and then budget.

Speaking to reporters after witnessing Proton and Giatmara sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate for the advancement of automotive education and training for Malaysian youths, Noh said the government hoped that Proton would be able to roll out the taxi model by 2010.

Proton managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said the company would study the request by the government as a change in design required extensive research and development. meaning loooooottttss of money for Proton!

Cheers, m

i like your idea but kenari or myvi?? hmm.. waja or persona should be the budget.. sonata, optima are executive(whats isn't proton upgrade their perdana instead of the mpv).. e-class, camry, alphard for premier~ =D

i like your idea but kenari or myvi?? hmm.. waja or persona should be the budget.. sonata, optima are executive(whats isn't proton upgrade their perdana instead of the mpv).. e-class, camry, alphard for premier~ =D

please, don't lump e-class and camry into the same category. they are like worlds a part.

At the mercy of cabbies
Monday July 7, 2008
Stories by BAVANI M
Photos by SAMUEL ONG & AZMAN GHANI


With the recent hike in fuel price and the escalating cost of living, some taxi drivers have resorted to what they do best – overcharging.

CITY cabbies have hit the headlines yet again for overcharging but the difference now is that they feel no guilt as they claim it is their only means of survival.

A check by StarMetro at 10 taxi hotpots in Kuala Lumpur recently reflected a state of lawlessness that seemed to have pervaded the city.

The situation became worse ever since the government raised the fuel price last month, triggering a free-for-all situation as more and more cabbies decide to do away with the meter and quote their own rates according to their whims and fancies.




http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/7/7/central/m_02taxis1.jpg

Fixed price: Taxi touts seen negotiating with
tourists at a taxi stand in Bukit Bintang.




The argument that NGV (Natural Gas for Vehicles) is cheaper and, therefore, the price increase does not affect them no longer holds water as they claim that it makes no difference at all.

Currently, NGV is offered at 68sen per litre while petrol is at RM2.70 per litre.

Taxi drivers claim that before the petrol increase, a full tank of NGV would cost RM8.30 to RM8.50.

“That would take us a distance of 150km to 160km. However, with the recent increase in petrol price, even NGV seems to have gone up in terms of volume,” taxi driver Rahim Kechik said.

Rahim said it now cost him RM10 to RM10.50 to get a full tank of NGV – yet the mileage remained the same.

Petronas Dagangan Bhd had recently clarified in a letter to StarMetro that the NGV price had not been increased.

The statement reiterated that Petronas conducted scheduled servicing of its gas processing plant as part of its periodic maintenance exercise.

This has resulted in a richer gas content, based on the reading from their Chromatograph Analyser. The statement said when gas content was richer, it had more weight and volume and, in turn, provideed better mileage.

However, city cabbies insist the mileage remains the same.

“I wonder where the extra RM2 goes?” Rahim asked, adding that as far as cabbies were concerned they were on the losing end.

Cabbies also claimed that long queues at NGV stations were another problem and they wanted more NGV-equipped stations to be opened.

Khairuddin Shamsudin has been driving his taxi for over 20 years and prides himself with the knowledge that he is one of the few who still uses the meter.

“But I respect the ones that don’t,” he said.

“They are bold to do what they do – to wait at the taxi stand for hours like that. You must respect their patience,” Khairuddin said.

According to Khairuddin, at least 85% of cabbies in KL are not using meters. Cabbies prefer to wait at one designated spot and return to wait again. They charge a higher rate as they usually come back empty to the spot.

“They feel it’s a better alternative to being stuck in traffic for hours, burning fuel and adding to stress levels,” he said.

Khairuddin said in all his years of driving a taxi, this was the first time the situation had become critical for drivers.

“How do you feel when you’re stuck in a jam every day? Imagine doing it day and night. I have seen families broken, divorces and abuse on the rise because of this. Can you blame us for taking the easy way out?” Khairuddin asked.

Due to this state of affairs, more and more areas in the city are being “taken over” by rogue taxi drivers who refuse to use the meter.

However, cabbies not bold enough to overcharge are being bullied by these errant ones. One such person is Azman, who only started driving a taxi about six months ago.

“If I don’t follow their rule, they threatened to smash my windscreen,” Azman said.

“I was told that if I wanted to join their queue at the Lot 10 taxi stop, I had to follow their rates and not use the meter. If I don’t like it I have to find another spot to operate,” Azman said.

“They are everywhere now as most of the city has become a black area,” he added.




http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/7/7/central/m_02taxis3.jpg

Sign of the times: A warning notice outside
KLCC advising commuters to use metered taxis.




To the people at the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB), these black areas are called hot spots.

Traditionally, hot spots in KL used to be at Puduraya, Chinatown, and KLCC, but, today, almost every shopping mall has been taken over by touts.

Taxi stands controlled by touts are the ones in front of Berjaya Times Square, Lot 10, KL Plaza and the Pavilion with the exception of Sungei Wang Plaza and Mid Valley - thanks to the management’s efforts in controlling the situation.

Another soon to be black area is the KL Sentral in Brickfields where, despite having a coupon system, customers are still being swindled by errant cabbies.

“There is nothing we can do,” said Mohamad Noor Abdul Rahman of Puncak Holdings Sdn Bhd, the company that manages the coupon counter at KL Sentral.

“Two of our traffic wardens were beaten up by these rogue drivers recently when they tried to instil order. One of them has since resigned,” Mohamad Noor said.

Customers who buy taxi coupons are guaranteed a taxi since they are paying a slightly higher rate than usual. But there are times when they have to wait at least 20 minutes to an hour for a taxi.

The reason? A group of rogue taxis drivers have set up their own counter at KL Sentral and are quoting a more exorbitant rate and even have the audacity to issue their own receipts.

Many honest cabbies have succumbed to the temptation.

“Get used to it because this is survival,” said Khairuddin.

“The fuel price hike this time around is the worst ever and I fear that more drivers are eventually going to do away with the meter,” he said.

I hate proton driver taxi!!!
They truly overcharging!!!
To the tourist > Dun use Taxi in KL lah!!

I hate proton driver taxi!!!
They truly overcharging!!!
To the tourist > Dun use Taxi in KL lah!!may as well say, dont come to KL. sad, isnt it.

Cheers, m

i like your idea but kenari or myvi?? hmm.. waja or persona should be the budget.. sonata, optima are executive(whats isn't proton upgrade their perdana instead of the mpv).. e-class, camry, alphard for premier~ =Dthey mentioned the "London Taxi" in the article, and one of the advantages of the London Black Cab design is loads of headroom and legroom and space for packages.

Kenari and MyVi are a good place to start with a similar, large capacity hatch-back design.

Climbing in and out of a saloon car like the Iswara or Persona can be tough, while hatchbacks like MyVi or Kenari give better use of space.

Cheers, m

SAY NO TO TAXI TOUTS!
PLEASE PROCEED TO THE TAXI STAND AND INSIST OF USING METRED TAXI ONLY
by phalinn

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/2645048249_27c4df01b1_b.jpg

Taxi drivers abandon meters due to rising costs


AFTER spending almost an entire day in the city centre walking around and checking out the various taxi stands in areas like Bukit Bintang, Petaling Street and KLCC, it seemed like there were no taxis with meters in Kuala Lumpur.

This was a statement made to StarMetro by a cabbie at a taxi stand in Bukit Bintang.

The cabbie on standby at KL Plaza had politely said the meter system no longer existed.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/7/7/central/m_02taxis2.jpg
Waiting in line: Taxi queue outside the Pavilion.

Cabbies have “taken control” of most of the taxi stands in the city. They wait in queue on standby for hours waiting for passengers.

Each taxi stand is controlled by a different group who is led by a leader, usually dressed smartly in white shirt and black pants and carrying a little bag that contains a stack of taxi receipts.

A smile is perpetually etched on his face and he is polite and speaks perfect English.

StarMetro chatted with one such leader at a taxi stand in Bukit Bintang who patiently explained the situation that drove the cabbies to resort to overcharging customers.

“I started off as one of the good guys. I followed all the rules and regulations. But it was the government who screwed it all up,” he said.

“When you raise fuel prices, it triggers a chain reaction and everything else goes up. So, don’t talk about NGV being cheaper and we have no reason to complain,” he said.

“Now, we make our own rules and it works for us. We have ethics and our limits. Stories you here about taxi drivers cheating customers are nonsense!

“We don’t charge RM50 and RM60 - that’s the rate for going to the airport. RM30 is the limit and it is bargainable,” he said.

After checking out other taxi stands in Bukit Bintang, we finally found a taxi driver who was on standby at the Pavilion taxi stand who was willing to take us to KLCC for ‘only’ RM15!

To be honest, it was the lowest rate for the trip considering the whopping RM25 to RM30 quoted by some drivers located at the Lot 10 and KL Plaza taxi stands.

We were told that it was the best rate in Bukit Bintang.

“Take it or leave it,” the pleasant-looking driver said. He was even willing to issue receipts.

He was so polite that it was hard to be angry with him. We pointed out that it would take less than 10 minutes to walk to KLCC via the Pavilion Skybridge and KL Convention Centre to get to KLCC.

“Miss, you are most welcome to walk then!” he replied with a smile.

Our journey to KLCC via the Pavilion Skybridge - Jalan Pinang- into KL Convention Centre via the underground car park that linked up to the Suria KLCC Mall took exactly 10 minutes.

Aside from the hot sun, it was a fairly pleasant journey and I told myself that the next time I met our city’s Mayor, I was going to suggest linking up the short distance with a covered pedestrian walkway.

My heart sank when we arrived at the taxi stand in front of Suria KLCC and across the road at Avenue K; the fleet of taxis on standby waiting for ‘victims’ was a disheartening sight.

As I approached one driver sitting on the kerbside smoking, about three drivers surrounded me, asking where I wanted to go.

When I told them KL Sentral, one quoted RM25. I did not mention the meter as I felt it it would be pointless. However, they were not rude, in fact, quite the opposite. But then again, they knew that I was a reporter and took the opportunity to tell me their woes.

After some 30 minutes chatting with them, I discovered that most of them had started out as taxi drivers who wanted to make an honest living, but the high cost of living spurred by the recent fuel hike made this endeavour a difficult one.

“Loan sharks are after me and this is the only way out,” lamented one driver.

Another added that he was a bankrupt while several cited the high costs of spare parts, taxi rentals, maintenance and food as factors for their decision to drop the meters.

“We are not cutthroats and we have ethics too,” declared one driver.

“We only operate in our respective zones. Stories of us charging foreigners high rates like what is reported in the newspapers are bullshit!” he fumed.

In the end, I decided to fork out RM20 to get to KL Sentral despite knowing that it would only cost a mere RM1.60 via the LRT Kelana Jaya line.

Tough job finding honest taxi drivers


MALAYSIA may have one of the lowest taxi rates in the world - a great tourism tool to sell the country, but, paradoxically, it is this element that is also tarnishing the nation’s image.

Despite the plentiful number of taxis, getting one in the city has become a challenge. Often times, the whole affair becomes a haggling exercise that most often results in tempers flaring and customers’ stomping off in anger with threats of lodging complains with the authorities.


Abdul Jalil: Taxi drivers are always at the losing end.
And when people do lodge complaints, nothing much is done to resolve the problems, resulting in rogue cabbies getting bolder by the day.

It has been reported that the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) hotlines receive hundreds of calls daily regarding errant drivers and the bulk of it concerns taxi drivers.

CVLB chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran keeps threatening to revoke or suspend drivers' licenses and permits if they were found to increase their rates, but he isn’t able to do much due to a lack of manpower.

However, consumers are still encouraged to be pro-active and report to CVLB’s toll free number, 1-800-88-9600, and SMS number, 39900, and hope for the best.

“It’s a vicious cycle,” Klang Valley Taxi Operators Association (PPTLK) president Abdul Jalil Maarof said.

“Taxi drivers are always at the losing end no matter what the circumstances are,” he claimed.

According to Abdul Jalil, the recent petrol hike has caused a chain reaction resulting in the price of everything from food to spare parts to go up and the drivers are suffering.

Federal Territory and Selangor Taxi Operations president Datuk Aslah Abdullah agrees with Abdul Jalil.

Aslah, who used to drive a taxi, blames the government for not revising taxi rates in the country.

“In the past 12 years, Singapore has raised their fares three times already. Over here, we are still waiting and, in the meantime, the drivers are breaking the law and giving the country a bad name,” he said.

Aslah said the high cost of living as well as the breakdown of the quality of life in KL due to congestion was making things worse.

KL resident Nanda K, who often relies on cabbies to get around, said it was getting increasingly difficult to find an honest taxi driver.

“Most of them quote a high rate and I would normally negotiate when I’m desperate, but when I do find one who uses the meter, I’m just simply grateful that I tip him extra anyway,” he said.

While Nanda has an option, some don’t, and that includes both consumers and cabbies. Perhaps it’s time a compromise was made, one that would benefit all parties.

please, don't lump e-class and camry into the same category. they are like worlds a part.well, I dont know about that...Toyota's Lexus brand is up-and-coming and competing with Mercedes on many levels...

Toyota/Lexus IS250 and IS350 are competive with the Mercedes C and E class and BMW 3 and 5 series respectively.

They use the older camry as a premier taxi in Singapore too.

Our Premier Taxi is a Proton Perdana and the Eksekutif Taxi (which is the top of the line) fleet includes: Naza Citra, Hyundai Sonata, and Nissan Sunny....

Go figure :nuts:

Cheers, m

Poor response from cabbies
V. Shuman

http://www.nst.com.my/Streets/Thursday/Stories/2289399/insidepix1
Abdul Samah addressing the crowd, next to him is MCPF KL chairman Datuk William Lim.

KUALA LUMPUR: A police-organised dialogue session designed to deal with security problems faced by taxi drivers in the city received a lukewarm response when fewer than 20 drivers or their representatives turned up yesterday.

http://www.nst.com.my/Streets/Thursday/Stories/2289399/insidepix2?display=xsmall
Many seats were empty in the hall where the dialogue session was held.

The session, organised by the city police in collaboration with the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) and the City Taxi Drivers' Association, was, for the first time, held at the city police headquarters.

City deputy police chief Datuk Abdul Samah Mat said the low turnout could have been due to a lack of communication with and information relayed to the representatives.

"We had hoped at least 50 drivers would turn up to share their problems, but it did not happen.


"Nevertheless, we hope to hold more such sessions in the future so we can work closely with taxi drivers to combat crime on the streets," said Abdul Samah.

"There are a total of 20,000 taxi drivers in the city and we hope to make them our 'eyes' and 'ears'. We hope that all of them will become members of RakanCop," he added, though he did not provide the number of drivers who are currently members of the police hotline.

Abdul Samah said the dialogue session was organised in view of recent robbery cases involving taxi drivers or passengers.

"From January to May this year, we received 36 complaints of taxi drivers being robbed. Some were even relieved of their taxis," he said.

He added that the city crime index for the first six months of this year had gone down eight per cent, compared to the corresponding period last year.

However, Abdul Samah did not provide figures indicating the total number of cases mentioned.

Taxi @ KL Central Railway Station

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Kuala%20Lumpur/7520.jpg


How to book this taxi? and what's the rate from KL to KLIA?

How to book this taxi? and what's the rate from KL to KLIA?call the phone number, 603-9058-1166.

From KL the rate is about RM60 (iirc)?

Cheers, m

seriosuly? all this time i take that small red taxi for 70 ringgit :S

I hate proton driver taxi!!!
They truly overcharging!!!
To the tourist > Dun use Taxi in KL lah!!

You are right! I did took that taxi which charge me 10 Ringgits despite of the fact that I wetn from IMBI to Corus Hotel near KLCC.

You are right! I did took that taxi which charge me 10 Ringgits despite of the fact that I wetn from IMBI to Corus Hotel near KLCC.

Yes,KL taxis is worse than Jakarta and Bangkok..probably the worse in SEA.KL taximen usually overcharge tourists,so learning basic BM to fool taximen to think you're local would be good.

Usually people should avoid the taxis in the city center who likes to overcharge. However, taxis that operate in KL suburbs who usually carry passengers from LRT stations are usually decent and use their meters.

The recent price hike has made taking a taxi actually cheaper especially for short trips like from LRT stations.Hopefully, more customers would make the taximen cheat less.

Cabbies also get taken for a ride
Sheila Sri Priya

KUALA LUMPUR: Cab drivers, who are usually the subject of complaints, get cheated and robbed too, it was revealed at a six-week-long "My Taxi Your Trusted Host" campaign supported by the Ministry of Tourism at the Malaysian Tourism Centre.

Cab driver, Beh Paik Peng, said he was cheated by a tourist but was discouraged from reporting the case to the authorities.

"I was the driver for a Middle-Eastern tourist throughout his vacation, and I wasn't paid when I finally dropped him off at KLIA. I was discouraged from lodging a report because I was told by a traffic police officer that nothing much could be done," said Beh.

Another cab driver said he is frequently cheated in the mornings by tourists who, claiming to have no small change, enter departmental stores in search of smaller notes. Needless to say, he never saw them again.


At night, cab drivers are the victims of counterfeiters, who pay them in fake ringgit. This is a serious matter that the drivers want the authorities to look into immmediately

"Please allow us to charge by the meter for all destinations. Currently, only four long-distance destinations, Malacca, Port Dickson, Cameron Highlands, and Genting Highlands are meter-based," said another driver.

The drivers also pointed out the limited amount of the luggage space in a regular cab, yet they are issued summonses when the luggage is placed in the passenger's seat, and when the boot is tied with strings to keep the "overflowing" luggage intact.

The cab drivers also want the authorities to provide basic English language courses for them to improve the level of service to foreign tourists.

Director of Domestic Tourism Malaysia, Musa Yusof said the cab drivers' appeals and complaints have been noted and will be channeled to the respective enforcement units for further action.

The some 80 cab drivers present agreed that the "My Taxi Your Trusted Host" campaign should be made a yearly event.

seriosuly? all this time i take that small red taxi for 70 ringgit :S
Call the Airport Limo if you really want to save money and still take a taxi...it is quite cheap...I remember we paid RM45 from Subang Jaya to LCCT.

Cheers, m

Cabbies still want higher fares despite fuel subsidy
By FASLIKA DAS & VIJENTHI NAIR BAILAND


KUALA LUMPUR: Taxi operators still want to raise their fares despite being allowed to buy petrol at a subsidised price.

The entitlement for taxis nationwide to buy unleaded petrol at RM1.92 per litre would not be of much benefit, they said.

From July 27 onwards, all taxis can purchase petrol at the subsidised price up to 720 litres a month after applying for a fleet card from the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry office in Putrajaya.

Federal Territory and Selangor Taxi Operations president Datuk Aslah Abdullah said it did not make any difference and it will not help ease the burden of taxi drivers as the subsidised price of RM1.92 per litre was the old price that they had been getting before the fuel price increase.

“We have been applying to the government to increase the initial fare charges from RM2 to RM3 since last year not because of the fuel price, but due to the rising cost of living.

“The RM1 increase could add to the revenue of a taxi driver who takes 10 passengers a day up by RM10,” he said, adding that this was the only way to help the taxi drivers earn more income.

He said that they would still insist on the raise in the initial fare charges despite the petrol subsidy for taxis.

Koperasi Perisai Perkasa Kuala Lumpur Berhad chairman Rosli Abdullah also agreed with Aslah about the RM3 proposed initial fare charge.

“Though the move by the government is beneficial, it would not make any difference to the majority of city taxi drivers. The subsidy would only help taxi drivers outside the city centre.

“This is because most taxi drivers in the city use NGV unlike outside the city where more taxis run on petrol. Therefore, the only way to help them is by increasing the fare charge,” he said.

Rosli also urged the government to extend the subsidy to diesel-run taxis as there were still taxis using diesel.

Former taxi company operator Asirvatham Jebamoney suggested that instead of subsidising the fuel, the government should come up with other forms of assistance to ease the burden of taxi drivers.

He recommended that the government give a subsidy on vehicles purchased for commercial purposes instead.

^^^^^^^^^^

Taxis will get 720 litres of fuel a month at RM1.92


PUTRAJAYA: The 40,231 owners of petrol-powered taxis and hire cars in the country will be eligible to buy subsidised petrol at RM1.92 a litre with a quota of 720 litres per month for each vehicle.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said the vehicle owners could submit applications for the subsidy to the ministry or its offices nationwide beginning Monday.

He said they would be given fleet cards just like for diesel-powered taxis and hire cars.

“When the government restructured the petrol and diesel subsidy in June, owners of taxies and hire cars running on petrol felt the pinch as there was no corresponding increase in the fare rates,'' said Shahrir.

“Concerned about their plight and to ensure they continue to serve the public, the Government has agreed to give them a petrol subsidy,” he told reporters after holding a meeting with food industry entrepreneurs at his ministry here yesterday.

Shahrir said the provision of this subsidy entailed a cost of RM271mil a year.

He said the 720-litre limit was determined based on the coverage area of the vehicles as provided for under the licensing terms of the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (CVLB). – Bernama

Call the Airport Limo if you really want to save money and still take a taxi...it is quite cheap...I remember we paid RM45 from Subang Jaya to LCCT.

Cheers, m

I need the big taxi since im bringing 4 oversize bags:ohno:

Cabbies want RM1 fare rise


KUALA LUMPUR: Taxi operators still want an upward fare revision despite being allowed to buy petrol at a subsidised price.

A survey of taxi operators showed that buying petrol at the subsidised price of RM1.92 per litre would not be of much benefit.

From July 27 onwards, all taxis can buy 720 litres a month of petrol at the subsidised price, after applying for a fleet card from the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs ministry office in Putrajaya.

Federal Territory and Selangor Taxi Operations president Datuk Aslah Abdullah said it would not help ease the burden of taxi drivers as the subsidised price of RM1.92 per litre was what they were paying for petrol before the fuel price increase.

“We have been applying to the Government to increase the initial fare charge from RM2 to RM3 since last year. This is due to the rising cost of living and not because of the higher price of fuel.

“The RM1 increase could add to the revenue of a taxi driver who takes 10 passengers a day by RM10,” he said, adding that this is the only way to help taxi drivers earn more.

He said that they would still insist on the increase in the initial fare charge despite the petrol subsidy.

Koperasi Perisai Perkasa Kuala Lumpur Bhd chairman Rosli Abdullah also agreed with Aslah about the RM3 proposed initial fare charge.

“Though the move by the Government is beneficial, it would not make any difference to the majority of city taxi drivers. The subsidy would only help taxi drivers outside the city centre.

“This is because most taxi drivers in the city use NGV unlike outside the city where more taxis run on petrol. Therefore, the only way to help them is by increasing the fare.”

Rosli also urged the Government to extend the subsidy to diesel-powered taxis.

Former taxi company operator Asirvatham Jebamoney suggested that instead of subsidising fuel, the Government should come up with other forms of assistance to ease the burden of taxi drivers. He recommends a government subsidy on vehicles bought for commercial use instead.

Apply now for your own taxi permit
By : V. Vasudevan

http://www.nst.com.my/Wednesday/National/2300615/insidepix1
Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development Minister Datuk Noh Omar says women will also not be left out in being given permits


THOSE keen to hold their own taxi permit have until Oct 14 to put in their applications.

But competition will be tough as there are more than 10,000 applications on the waiting list for the 3,000 permits to be issued.

Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development Minister Datuk Noh Omar told the Senate yesterday that applications for individual permits was reopened last week.

Noh said among the criteria were: applicants must be a citizen, have the support of a taxi association or co-operative, be in good health and have no criminal records.

"The applicant must also have driven a taxi for more than a year," he told Senator Heng Seai Kie.

However, government servants are not eligible to apply.

To another question from Heng, Noh said taxi companies were generally found to provide good service and tended to the welfare of drivers on their payroll.

He told the House that taxi permits were valid for a period of seven years.

To a question from Senator Datuk Syed Alhabshee, Noh said there were sufficient funds for taxi drivers, if they had difficulties in raising money to buy a vehicle when a licence was granted.

He said the driver could go to Mara or banks for a loan.

On the possibility that some would not be granted loans due to their age, Noh said the banks would still consider if the driver had a partner.

"Usually this can be the permit holder's son, or anyone else who is willing to drive the taxi once the owner is no longer in a position to drive the vehicle," he said.

To a question from Senator Mumtaz Md Nawi, Noh said the ministry was receptive in giving permits to women, including single mothers.

"We have women bus drivers today and women taxi drivers will not be a problem."

Klang Valley taxis left out of subsidy plan



KUALA LUMPUR: Klang Valley taxi drivers are fuming that they have been left out of the nationwide subsidy scheme for taxis.



Under the scheme unveiled on July 19, taxis can buy unleaded petrol at the old subsidised price of RM1.92 per litre up to a limit of 720 litres a month.

However, Klang Valley taxis, including those operating with compressed natural gas, who tried to apply for subsidy fleet cards have been told that they were not eligible.

Taxi drivers were shocked that they have been left out as 20,000 of the country's 40,231 taxis operate in the Klang Valley.

Those operating NGV taxis also want to be included in the scheme, claiming they were often forced to use petrol because there were too few NGV stations to service their needs.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said the ministry was trying to find out why Klang Valley taxis have been left out.



"We are sorting it out with the Treasury. Hopefully, we'll be able to iron it out by next week."



He said the subsidy for NGV taxis would probably be less than that for petrol-run taxis.

The review will also benefit airport limousines.



Taxi Operators Association chairman Datuk Aslah Abdullah said Klang Valley taxis were probably left out because many of them used natural gas.

"But there is the problem of few NGV stations and long queues. Also, about 2,000 to 3,000 taxis, mainly the ones who do the airport runs, use only petrol because they need the boot space."

Aslah said the association wrote to the ministry a week ago but had not received a response.

"We checked with oil companies, but they told us that they have not received a directive from the government."

Wilayah Persekutuan and Selangor Indian Taxi Owners and Drivers Association secretary S. Balakrishnan agreed that it was wrong to leave Klang Valley cabbies out of the scheme.

"Natural gas taxis make up roughly 17,000 to 18,000 of the Klang Valley's taxis.



"But we have to use petrol as well as NGV, especially when we are rushing for time," said Balakrishnan.

R. Kandasamy, a taxi driver for the past 15 years, said he applied for a fleet card but was told to "just wait and see how things go later".

"I need the subsidy as I spend up to RM150 a day on petrol.

"The subsidy will make a big difference to me," he added. -- By Marc Lourdes

Tambang teksi mahal
Oleh Nurul Farina Nazlan dan Nurul Hazirah Md Sai'aan
bhnews@bharian.com.my

TAK ENDAH: Teksi yang dipercayai tidak menggunakan meter di perhentian teksi Pasar Seni.



Penumpang dakwa penguatkuasaan tak tegas punca masalah

KUALA LUMPUR: Sikap pemandu teksi di bandar raya yang tidak menggunakan meter dan mengenakan tambang sesuka hati kepada penumpang bukan sesuatu yang baru dan sudah berbuih diperkatakan.

Kenaikan harga minyak pada awal Jun lalu memburukkan lagi keadaan apabila pemandu teksi sekarang memilih penumpang dan lebih senang menerima mereka yang sanggup membayar lebih.



Rata-rata pengguna perkhidmatan pengangkutan awam mendakwa, keadaan sebegini yang berterusan adalah kerana penguatkuasaaan yang tidak tegas dan hanya bertindak apabila ada aduan.

Seorang pengguna yang hanya mahu dikenali sebagai Siti mendakwa, tidak nampak kesungguhan daripada pihak berkenaan untuk mengatasi masalah ini yang mana bukan saja mendatangkan kesusahan kepada pengguna tetapi juga menjejaskan imej bandar raya.

"Susah sangatkah pihak yang berkaitan untuk menyamar bagi mencekup pemandu begini, memang ada buat tapi tak selalu, cuba buat-buat hari-hari, mesti masalah ini akan selesai," katanya sewaktu ditemui di perhentian teksi di Pasar Seni.

Siti berkata, beliau terpaksa melepaskan tiga teksi untuk ke Pusat Bandar Damansara kerana kesemua pemandu mahu mengenakan tambang RM15 atas alasan jalan ke situ sesak.

Beberapa pemandu teksi yang ditemui pula berkata, kekurangan pelanggan dan kenaikan harga barang menjadi punca utama mereka menaikkan tambang serta tidak menggunakan meter ketika mengambil penumpang.

Help us, say taxi drivers
By PRIYA MENON


TAXI drivers in the Klang Valley have urged the government to look into their welfare.

The Taxi Drivers Welfare Association Kuala Lumpur and Selangor said it lacked funds to support their families and apply for individual permits.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/9/2/central/m_08taxi.jpg
All together: The Taxi Drivers Welfare Association of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor members at the taxi stand in front of the Swiss Garden Hotel in Jalan Pudu.

“Most of our taxi drivers do not have any money to apply for permits and loans so we can hardly make ends meet,” said association chairman M. Manickam.

He also said since most of the official organisations closed the door on them, the only avenue they had were loan sharks.

“We only earn about RM120 on a good day and a portion goes for the rental of the taxi.

“We still have to buy books and other necessities for our families,” he added.

The association hopes that the government will set up a department to look into their problems and help monitor the taxi drivers’ plight.

“We hope that the department will act as a mediator between us and the government,” Manickam said.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/9/2/central/m_08manickam.jpg
In need of help: Manickam (seated second from right) with some of the association members.

The association does what it can to support their members and deceased member’s families.

“We usually pay for the funeral expenses for our deceased members and give a small contribution to the families as well,” he added.

The association ensures that all of its 40 members have a personal accident policy and hope that the benefits it provides will entice more taxi drivers to join the association.

“We hope that other associations will follow suit and give their taxi drivers benefits that will ensure their livelihood,” he added.

Manickam said this at the unveiling of the Merdeka decorations at a taxi stand in front of the Swiss Garden Hotel in Jalan Pudu.

The association has put up banners and flags to make the stand more festive in line with Malaysia’s 51st National Day celebration.

I dun really mind if taxis increase fares AS LONG THEY USE THEIR METERS!!

:( Malaysia's 'worst in the world' taxis tarnish national image
Agence France-Presse - 9/18/2008 2:55 AM GMT

The ads promoting "Malaysia: Truly Asia" aim to welcome visitors with a warm smile to a prosperous and modern nation, so the taxi fleet branded "the worst in the world" can come as a bit of a shock.

Even the locals are not spared the shabby service of unkempt and hostile drivers behind the wheels of decrepit vehicles who refuse to use the meter, overcharge and pick-and-choose which destinations they will travel to.

At the popular KLCC mall under Kuala Lumpur's iconic Petronas Twin Towers is a typical scene, as a gang of cabbies negotiate with a young Norwegian couple just metres from a signboard warning against "taxi touts".

"Flat rate, flat rate, no metre," one driver insists as the tourists try to find a cab to take them to their hotel, less than two kilometres (1.2 miles) away.

Anxious to escape the baking heat, they agree to pay 25 ringgit (7.22 dollars) for a trip that would have cost less than three ringgit on the meter.

"Is it expensive? We don't know, we thought it is normal here," said the woman as they piled in with their shopping bags.

More frequent visitors, however, are vocal in their criticism and say that aggressive and unprofessional drivers are tarnishing the nation's image as a squeaky clean and hospitable destination.

"I first visited Malaysia in 2006 and I was impressed by everything I saw except for the worst taxi service I have endured," said Kabir Dali, an Indian tourist waiting in vain for a metered taxi at another mall.

"I paid a whopping 260 ringgit (74 dollars) from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to town and was later told that was twice the proper amount."

Complaints about taxis are common in many countries, but in Malaysia it has escalated to an outpouring of frustration, on blog sites and in letters to newspapers.

In a survey by the local magazine The Expat, some 200 foreigners from 30 countries rated Malaysia the worst among 23 countries in terms of taxi quality, courtesy, availability and expertise.

The respondents lashed the fleet as "a source of national shame" and "a serious threat to tourists -- rude bullies and extortionists".

Salvation is in sight though, as a number of smaller, up-scale operators enter the market to provide a more expensive but quality taxi service for frustrated visitors and locals.

The uniformed drivers, behind the wheels of smart new multi-purpose vehicles and sedans, switch on the meter as a matter of course and do not refuse destinations -- surprising and delighting commuters in the capital.

Abdul Razak, operations manager for Dubai-based Citicab which launched here in January, said that even in poorer nations such as Thailand and Indonesia, taxis are smarter and the drivers far more courteous.

"I would say it is the worst in this region, undoubtedly. I have travelled to all countries in this region and our company operates taxis in many parts of the world. The situation here is the worst I have seen," he told AFP.

"The vehicles are in shabby condition, the driver will take you if he likes your face -- that is, if he agrees with where you want to go for the price he insists on."

The government has called on taxi firms to lift their standards, but various campaigns have achieved little, and many blame the lack of enforcement on rampant corruption in the police and bureaucracy.

"It is difficult for the roads and traffic department to take stern action," said a security officer at one city mall as he watched the touts swoop.

"Taxi operators and the company which hold the licences are all linked to some politician or another," he said. "Drivers here are ruthless because they are unchecked by authorities who are almost non-existent."

John Koldowski, from the Pacific Asia Travel Association, said that "less than desirable" taxi drivers have an outsize impact on a nation's image.

"The first contact a tourist gets with locals is often during airport transits to hotels and it creates a very, very strong first impression, either be good or bad," he said.

"Authorities certainly need to do their jobs and act upon any complaints strongly, quickly and visibly."

http://news.my.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1682892

Padam muka mereka to KLites taxi drivers!

Tambang asas teksi mungkin naik RM1

Oleh ROSMALINA ABD. KADIR
berita@kosmo.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR - Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP) kini pada peringkat akhir kajian menaikkan tambang asas teksi daripada RM2 kepada RM3 untuk dua kilometer pertama dengan keputusan mengenainya akan diumumkan tidak lama lagi.

Tindakan tersebut bertujuan untuk berlaku adil kepada sistem pengangkutan awam negara selepas perkhidmatan bas menerima surcaj 30 peratus baru-baru ini, kata Menteri Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi, Datuk Noh Omar.

Katanya, LPKP juga turut menimbang menaikkan tambang bagi semua pengangkutan awam lain tetapi menegaskan keputusan berkenaan tidak mempunyai kaitan dengan kenaikan harga bahan api baru-baru ini.

"Saya tidak nafikan, semua kadar tambang bagi pengangkutan awam mungkin akan naik lagi, bagaimanapun perbincangan masih berjalan dan sebarang keputusan berkaitan akan diumumkan tidak lama lagi.

"Kerajaan sudah menimbang kesannya terhadap kedua-dua belah pihak, iaitu pengusaha bas dan pengguna kerana saya tidak mahu pengusaha bas mengalami kerugian dan pada masa sama saya juga tidak mahu pengguna merasa tertekan," katanya ketika ditemui di hentian bas sementara di Bukit Jalil, malam kelmarin.

Dalam perkembangan sama, Noh memberitahu, tindakan menaikkan tambang pengangkutan awam adalah sebagai satu langkah memerangi kegiatan ulat tiket yang wujud akibat keputusan tidak menaikkan tambang.

"Apabila kerajaan memberi surcaj sebanyak 30 peratus, hasilnya pengusaha bas mula menyediakan bas tambahan dan ini berita baik untuk penumpang terutamanya pada musim perayaan," katanya.

Some comments from travelblog on Malaysia bad taxi service.

So we wandered back to Chinatown hostel to collect our bags, grabbed a taxi and made our way around to the new place. It was a 5 minute journey, about 6RM but the driver tried charging me and Chloe 15RM. Now I don’t respect or appreciate people ripping me off so I started telling him he was breaking the law and we had asked to use the taxi meter, pointing out the little sticker on his window showing the actual charges we should pay. “15RM sir, Busy time for me, I charge you 15RM”. I handed him 10RM, tore into him a bit more telling him it was still too much and wishing bad things upon his clapped out taxi

All 5 of us piled into a taxi as it was raining and we asked him to use meter, again he said no and said the fare would be 25RM….too much. Like a scene from a circus show, we all piled out the other end of the taxi as quick as we got into it, laughing all the way and walked home safe in the knowledge that we had saved 25RM for beers and a few games of pool.

http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Malaysia/Selangor/Kuala-Lumpur/blog-333581.html

Plus there are many travelblog that commented badly on Malaysian taxis rupping them off. Realy embarrassing. These taxi drivers ah..when ask say they making it hard..THEN DON'T BECOME TAXI DRIVERS LA!!!There's no excuse to cheat people...dosa tau!!

I've recenty watched Amazing Race Asia and seen taxis in Bangkok and Vietnam. Their taxis are very nice, clean and non-Proton!!!Malaysia..dun askla :ohno:.Our ba taxi system is omething to remember from the Mahathir era.

Taxi firms: Unfair to punish entire fleet
By SIM LEOI LEOI


leoi@thestar.com.my

PUTRAJAYA: Taxi companies are decrying the recent decision by the Government to “punish” their entire fleet if any one of their drivers is caught flouting the rules and regulations.

Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Taxi Operators Association president Datuk Aslah Abdullah said such a ruling had “never happened anywhere in the world before.”

“I don’t think it’s right or fair for the Government to do that.

“Firstly, the Government’s decision to continue with the 30% surcharge on express and stage bus fares is only for buses, but what about the taxis?

“It’s been two years since we put in our proposal to increase taxi fares.

“At present, if a driver is caught flouting the rule, the Government suspends the permit, which belongs to the taxi company. But the driver is allowed to go scot-free and drive other taxis belonging to other companies,” he pointed out.

Aslah was commenting on a statement by Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minis-ter Datuk Noh Omar on Friday that taxi companies whose drivers flout rules and regulations now risked having all their permits suspended.

Previously, only the errant driver had his permit revoked.

The matter came about after a meeting between the Mentris Besar and the Prime Minister asking for tougher action on taxi drivers as many of them were caught refusing to use the meter, overcharging or bargaining for fares during the recent Hari Raya festive period.

Aslah said taxi operators would seek a meeting with Noh for a clarification.

“We are unhappy with the recent decision because I know that many taxi companies already keep a list of ‘blacklisted’ drivers so they don’t engage the bad ones,” he said.

KL and Selangor Taxi Welfare Association chief assistant secretary M. Kumar described the move as illogical, adding that it would be equivalent to punishing a criminal’s family mem-

bers, instead of the criminal

himself.

“Our association has written many letters to the ministry to complain about our plight and to highlight the various offences committed by taxi drivers.

“But the ministry has not replied. We definitely do not agree to such a proposal,” he said.

“There are also other rulings that are unfair such as allowing coupon taxis from the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) to pick up passengers in the city when city taxis are not allowed to pick up passengers from the LCCT,” he said.

Pemandu teksi terima sarjana
20 Oktober 2008
Utusan

http://utusan.com.my/pix/2008/1020/Utusan_Malaysia/Muka_Hadapan/mh_02.1.jpg

SYABAS... ISHAK Ismail menunjukkan isyarat bagus selepas menerima Ijazah
Sarjana Komunikasi Korporat pada Konvokesyen Universiti Putra Malaysia,
Serdang, semalam.

KUALA LUMPUR 19 Okt. – Iltizam untuk menjadi idola kepada lima anaknya membakar semangat seorang pemandu teksi, Ishak Ismail, 56, untuk meneruskan pelajaran sehingga ke peringkat ijazah sarjana.

Hari ini, impiannya itu menjadi kenyataan apabila beliau menerima ijazah Sarjana Komunikasi Korporat dari Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang pada Majlis Konvokesyen UPM Ke-32 di sini.

Semangat Ishak untuk menimba ilmu terus menyala dan selama 13 tahun memandu teksi di sekitar Shah Alam, beliau sentiasa berfikir untuk mengisi setiap masa terluang dengan perkara yang berfaedah.

‘‘Saya sedar peringkat usia saya agak tua berbanding mahasiswa lain tetapi berbekalkan kelulusan Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM), saya nekad sambung belajar peringkat ijazah pada tahun 2002,’’ katanya ketika ditemui selepas majlis konvokesyen itu di sini hari ini.

Sebaik sahaja menamatkan pengajian ijazah dalam bidang komunikasi dua tahun lepas, datuk kepada tiga orang cucu ini meneruskan pengajian ke peringkat Sarjana Komunikasi Korporat.

Kejayaan hari ini, katanya, adalah berkat doa dan sokongan moral yang diberikan oleh isteri dan keluarga.

Justeru, jelasnya, pengorbanan keluarganya itu tidak akan dipersia-siakan kerana selepas ini, beliau tidak lagi akan menjadi pemandu teksi.

‘‘Cukuplah selama 13 tahun saya jadi pemandu teksi. Saya mahu mengubah kehidupan kami sekeluarga.

‘‘Cuma kenangan manis sepanjang menjadi pemandu teksi tidak akan dilupakan kerana sewaktu menunggu penumpang, itulah masanya saya mentelaah,’’ katanya yang belajar selama dua jam setiap hari.

Beliau berkata, tiga daripada lima orang anaknya kini berjaya menjejakkan kaki ke menara gading.

Menurutnya, berbekalkan ijazah sarjana yang ada di tangannya itu, beliau bersedia untuk menjadi pensyarah sambilan jika ditawarkan oleh mana-mana institusi pengajian tinggi.

Airport cabbies up in arms over RM144m 'tax'



PUTRAJAYA: Taxi drivers at the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal claim they are being "milked" of RM144 million a year by the operator of the coupon system.

At a meeting with Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Senator T. Murugiah yesterday, the drivers said they are unhappy over the nine per cent commission they have to pay to Mesra Indah Jaya (MIJ) for every trip they make from the LCCT.

LCCT Taxi Drivers Welfare Association secretary Razak Hashim blamed the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB), saying it is the "protection" given by the board that allows MIJ to "blatantly bully" them.

Razak told Murugiah during the meeting at the Public Complaints Bureau at the Prime Minister's Department yesterday that MIJ is not only taxing the taxi drivers but they had also behaved in an intimidating manner.

He showed Murugiah a police report made on July 31 as proof.

He also said it was "inconsiderate" of the CVLB to approve an additional 1,512 taxi permits when there is already a sufficient number of taxis available at the LCCT.

This, he said, is unacceptable in view of the stiff competition from the bus companies that operate more than 60 vehicles at the terminal.

"We are even willing to forego a fare hike if the CVLB would consider reducing the number of taxi permits."

Murugiah assured the disgruntled association representatives they will reach a resolution at a meeting with the Tourism Ministry, Transport Ministry, CVLB and others on Thursday.

Proton perkenal teksi Saga baru guna NGV

KUALA LUMPUR 21 Okt. - Proton Holdings Bhd. (Proton) bercadang untuk memperkenalkan teksi Proton Saga baru yang dilengkapi dengan kemudahan kenderaan gas asli (NGV) pada Disember ini.

Menurut kenyataan Proton, ia akan melibatkan 400 unit Proton Saga baru yang akan dijadikan sebagai teksi untuk digunakan di negara ini dan akan dihantar secara berperingkat-peringkat.

''Sehingga kini, 900 unit kereta Proton telah ditempah untuk dijadikan teksi dan 500 unit daripadanya adalah daripada Proton Saga baru,'' katanya dalam kenyataan sempena penghantaran pertama Proton Saga baru kepada empat buah konsortium teksi, di sini hari ini.

Penghantaran pertama ini membabitkan sebanyak 100 unit daripada 500 unit Proton Saga baru itu.

Empat syarikat tersebut ialah Public Cab Sdn. Bhd., KCM Fleet Sdn. Bhd., Avenue Drive (M) Sdn. Bhd. dan Perniagaan Lima Sejati Sdn. Bhd.

Bagaimanapun, bagi penghantaran pertama ini, ia melibatkan Proton Saga baru yang tidak dilengkapi NGV.

Majlis penghantaran peringkat pertama itu telah disempurnakan oleh Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Proton Edar Sdn. Bhd., Mohamad Shukor Ibrahim dan disaksikan oleh Pengerusi Lembaga Perlesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP), Datuk Markiman Kobiran.

Kenyataan itu menjelaskan, teksi Proton Saga baru itu memiliki kelebihan daripada segi kuasa enjinnya yang dipertingkatkan kepada 1.6 liter Campro berbanding 1.3 liter Campro bagi Proton Saga baru yang digunakan oleh pengguna lain.

Dalam pada itu, ia juga dilengkapi dengan sistem penggera dan kuasa stereng.

Selain Saga baru, kereta Proton telah digunakan sebagai teksi di negara ini daripada model Perdana, Waja, Wira dan Iswara.

4 konsortium teksi guna Proton Saga


http://www.bharian.com.my/Wednesday/Ekonomi/20081022005954/mainpix
TEKSI Proton Saga dijangka menjimatkan kos operasi syarikat pengendali.



PROTON Edar Sdn Bhd semalam menyerahkan kumpulan pertama teksi daripada model Proton Saga kepada empat konsortium teksi iaitu Public Cab Sdn Bhd, KCM Fleet Sdn Bhd, Avenue Drive (M) Sdn Bhd dan Perniagaan Lima Sejati Sdn Bhd.

Majlis penyerahan itu disempurnakan oleh Ketua Eksekutifnya, Mohamad Shukor Ibrahim di Kompleks Pusat Kecemerlangan Proton di Shah Alam, sambil disaksikan Pengerusi Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP), Datuk Markiman Kobiran.

Mohamad Shukor berkata, syarikat itu amat gembira dengan sokongan berterusan yang ditunjukkan syarikat teksi di Malaysia yang memilih produk Proton.



“Proton Saga disediakan dengan baik bagi memenuhi keperluan dan permintaan yang dijangkakan daripada teksi, di samping menyediakan keselesaan serta keselamatan kepada pelanggan,” katanya.

Pengerusi Persatuan Pengusaha Teksi Lembah Klang, Jalil Maarof yang juga Pengarah KCM Fleet, berkata kepercayaan dan kos yang rendah bagi Proton Saga adalah amat menarik bagi syarikat itu.

“Ia (Saga) menawarkan harga berpatutan, ruang yang selesa dan kos penyenggaraan rendah bagi mengurangkan kos operasi pengendali teksi,” katanya.

Pengarah Urusan Public Cab, Frankie Yap, berkata peningkatan kualiti dalam produk terbaru Proton itu sudah dijangkakan memandangkan ia adalah jenama yang dipercayai.

Pengendali teksi itu yang kini mempunyai 1,500 unit Proton Iswara merancang menukar semua teksinya kepada Proton Saga secara berperingkat.

Setakat ini, 900 unit kereta Proton ditempah dengan 500 daripadanya adalah bagi teksi Proton Saga.

Sementara itu, Proton merancang melancarkan kilang bagi memasang teksi Proton Saga yang menggunakan gas asli kenderaan (NGV) menjelang Disember ini.

4 konsortium teksi guna Proton Saga


http://www.bharian.com.my/Wednesday/Ekonomi/20081022005954/mainpix
TEKSI Proton Saga dijangka menjimatkan kos operasi syarikat pengendali.

PROTON Edar Sdn Bhd semalam menyerahkan kumpulan pertama teksi daripada model Proton Saga kepada empat konsortium teksi iaitu Public Cab Sdn Bhd, KCM Fleet Sdn Bhd, Avenue Drive (M) Sdn Bhd dan Perniagaan Lima Sejati Sdn Bhd. I know the saga is the replacement for the Saga and Iswara and I know that it is nice to have new taxis...but c'mon, the SAGA??? Is there any headroom and elbow and legroom in that car? Taxis need to have some space so people can get in and out easily and comfortably...

Cheers, m

Proton to design ‘Malaysian’ taxi
by Surin Murugiah
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


SHAH ALAM: National carmaker Proton Holdings Bhd is likely to be the biggest beneficiary of a government plan to standardise taxis in the country, similar to the black cab in London or the yellow taxis in New York.

Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperation Datuk Noh Omar said the government has asked Proton to design a taxi that could be uniquely identified as a “Malaysian taxi”.

The Proton Saga Iswara is commonly used as taxicabs in Malaysia.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8e/Proton_Iswara_taxis%2C_Kuala_Lumpur.jpg/800px-Proton_Iswara_taxis%2C_Kuala_Lumpur.jpg

The Proton Saga was the first Proton model, based on the Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore. It rolled off the Shah Alam assembly line for the first time in September 1985. The 100,000th Proton Saga was produced in January 1989.

NEW Proton Taxi!
Proton Saga RED Concept by Proton Design
At KL Convention Centre
From paultan.org

http://img29.picoodle.com/img/img29/3/10/30/f_06m_456ba02.jpg

http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/3/10/30/f_01m_f389cac.jpg

http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/3/10/30/f_02m_c2a2ede.jpg

http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/3/10/30/f_03m_ed7c2db.jpg

http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/3/10/30/f_04m_ea0c813.jpg

http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/3/10/30/f_05m_a920645.jpg

NEW Proton Taxi!
Proton Saga RED Concept by Proton Design
At KL Convention Centre
From paultan.org

http://img29.picoodle.com/img/img29/3/10/30/f_06m_456ba02.jpg
uh oh...doesnt say "bermeter"

Cheers, m

^^ Since a lot of taxi drivers are not using the metre, I guess they wouldn't need that sign. haha

^^ Since a lot of taxi drivers are not using the metre, I guess they wouldn't need that sign. hahahahahah it also says "teksi" and "gila" on the door panel...

kind of appropriate... :bash:

Cheers, m

hahahah it also says "teksi" and "gila" on the door panel...

kind of appropriate... :bash:

Cheers, m

Very true, especially inside KL CBD

Noh: Higher fares next year


PUTRAJAYA: Higher fares for public transport will be announced early next year, said Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development Minister Datuk Noh Omar.

The new rates include those for stage buses, taxis and schoolbuses.

Noh said the new rates would take into consideration public interest, the industry’s viability and the many incentives the Government had announced in Budget 2009 for the public transport sector.

“I cannot say how much the increase will be as the ministry is still trying to determine the most appropriate rates for taxis, stage, express and schoolbuses,” he told reporters after attending the ministry’s Family Day yesterday.

“However, I do not foresee the hike to be 100% as requested by some players in the industry.”

Noh gave an assurance that the new fares would not burden lower wage earners, who made up the majority of public transportation users.

“At the same time, we also have to consider the needs and abilities of the transport companies, to ensure they can continue to provide effective and efficient service to the public,” he said.

“We do not want them to close shop because it will only cause inconvenience and burden the public.”

Phone cards and drinks in taxis soon
By JANE RITIKOS


KUALA LUMPUR: Taxi drivers will be allowed to do side businesses by selling packet drinks and phonecards to passengers.

Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Datuk Noh Omar said this was to help them supplement their income.

“The cabbies can sell drinks or pre-paid cards by collaborating with telcos in their taxis,” he told reporters yesterday after presenting certificates to 135 taxi drivers who completed a course co-organised by the ministry and Malaysian Taxi, Limousine and Hired Car Drivers and Operators Association (Petekma).

Another move to help cabbies supplement their income was to make it simpler for taxis to seek ministry approval to carry advertisements, including placing them on the roof of the vehicle.

He added the ministry had decided to increase the road worthiness of taxis from seven years to 10 years, as long as they received approval from Puspakom.

On new standardised taxis to be specially designed and produced by Proton, Noh said the ministry was working to get the national car manufacturer to trade in the taxis.

Noh also said public transport fares would be reviewed on an annual basis from next year. The last review was in 2005.

“If we review the fares every four, five years the increment will drastic. By making it annual, any increment will be more reasonable and less of a burden to consumers,” he said.

Noh added the ministry had actually completed its fare review but had to re-look it following several incentives recently given for public transportation, including slashed toll rates and fuel incentives.

He said the review would also consider peak hours as well as distance travelled as the ministry wanted to resolve the problem of cabbies not wanting to take passengers during peak hours.

Noh also said the Government would issue 1,000 permits to individual taxi drivers by this year.

A cabinet committee on pubic transportation, expected to be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, will be set up for the purpose.

Petekma president Yusoff Lahir lauded the opportunity given to cabbies to take up side businesses and suggested they could also offer services like selling insurance.

“Of course, cabbies won’t be selling nasi lemak in the taxi,” he said.

uh oh...doesnt say "bermeter"

Cheers, m

Is the model called "BABI"

Jangan ambil pemandu teksi warga asing

Oleh FAIZAH IZZANI ZAKARIA

KUALA LUMPUR 17 Nov. - Syarikat pengusaha teksi di Lembah Klang diberi amaran keras supaya tidak mengambil pekerja asing sebagai pemandu.

Menteri Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi, Datuk Noh Omar berkata, kementerian tidak teragak-agak untuk membatalkan semua permit yang dimiliki pengusaha teksi yang didapati menggaji pekerja asing.

"Jika ada seorangpun pemandu teksi warga asing dalam syarikat itu, kita akan batalkan semua sekali permit teksi milik pengusaha itu. Kalau ada 100 permit kita batalkan semuanya," katanya.

Noh berkata demikian pada sidang akhbar selepas menyampaikan sijil peserta Kursus Penambahbaikan Mutu Kerjaya Jurupandu Kenderaan Perdagangan di sini hari ini.

Beliau memberitahu, pengusaha teksi berkemungkinan akan berhadapan dengan kekurangan tenaga apabila kementerian melalui Lembaga Perlesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP) akan mengeluarkan permit teksi individu dalam masa terdekat ini.

"Ini mungkin akan menyebabkan kekurangan tenaga kepada pengusaha teksi tetapi apa yang pasti kita tidak akan benarkan mereka mengambil pemandu teksi warga asing," katanya.

Mengenai permit teksi individu, Noh berkata, LPKP akan mengeluarkan sebanyak 1,000 permit tersebut kepada pemandu teksi yang akan beroperasi secara sendiri tanpa terikat dengan syarikat pengusaha teksi lagi.

Katanya, jumlah tersebut adalah sebagai permulaan sebelum LPKP meluluskan lebih banyak lagi permit teksi individu memandangkan proses kelulusan mengambil masa yang agak lama.

Mengulas mengenai tambang pengangkutan awam, Noh berkata, kementerian akan mula membuat kajian tambang perkhidmatan itu pada setiap tahun bermula tahun depan.

Katanya, ia bagi membolehkan kementerian melihat setiap faktor atau aspek yang perlu dipertimbangkan serta melihat harga kenaikan yang lebih munasabah supaya tidak membebankan pengguna.

"Banyak perkara yang perlu dilihat. Kerajaan memang bercadang menaikkan tambang perkhidmatan awam terutama teksi memandangkan kos operasi sudah meningkat. Tetapi kita akan mulakan pertimbangan itu dengan membuat kajian terperinci terlebih dulu," katanya.

Beliau berkata, kementerian juga bercadang untuk mengambil kira waktu kemuncak penggunaan perkhidmatan pengangkutan awam serta jarak perjalanan bagi menetapkan harga tambang yang baru.

"Itu semua kita akan kaji sebelum membuat sebarang keputusan. Kita mahu memastikan industri ini serta pengguna sama-sama mendapat faedah tanpa membebankan satu pihak," katanya.

Use meters or lose taxi permits
By CHARLES FERNANDEZ


NEARLY 60% of the complaints filed with the Commercial Vehicle Licencing Board (CVLB) each month concerns taxi drivers refusing to use meters.

According to CVLB chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran, taxi operators risk having their permits suspended or withdrawn if they do not use the fare meters.

Markiman told reporters this at the launch of the first taxi coupon system introduced at a KTM station,

He said rogue taxis were on the rise, especially in the Klang Valley where there were many tourists and outstation visitors.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/11/19/central/m_04coupon.jpg
New system: A passenger handing over a taxi coupon to a taxi driver at the Serdang KTM station

According to Markiman, there are 25,000 taxis operating in the Klang Valley and, even if 5,000 taxis are suspended, there would be enough taxis.

He said the CVLB had received numerous complaints of tourists being ripped off as taxi operators had refused to use meters and charged exorbitant fares.

“Now the disease has spread to KTM stations and the Serdang station is said to be one of the areas where the CVLB has received complaints on taxi operators,’’ Markiman said.

He said the coupon system, intro*duced at the Serdang station in September, would see that there was no victimising of commuters.

It is learnt that commuters have complained that cabbies choose their passengers and would take whoever offering them the best fare after some bargaining.

“With the coupon system, cabbies cannot choose their passengers. Whoever is at the front of the queue will take the first passenger,’’ Markiman said.

Before the coupon system was introduced, taxi operators would choose not to pick up passengers if they were not interested in plying a certain route.

Touts were also said to be operating at the KTM station to discourage passengers from buying the coupons, claiming that taxi operators could offer cheaper fares.

Markiman said there were also infighting among cabbies at the taxi queue and with the new system in place, there would be no tout and no need for policing.

“The coupon will state a fixed price for various destinations and this will prevent any conflict between the drivers and passengers.

“We hope all KTM stations will implement the system as it is essential to provide an orderly system for the public,’’ he said.

The rates for the various destinations were worked out by the taxi operators and the CVLB following a zoning system and the distance from the pick-up point to the disembarkation point.

The system is seen as a way to resolve the complaints against the unscrupulous taxi operators.

According to Markiman, from July to October this year, the CVLB has referred 138 cases to court for various offences, with 55 having their licences cancelled and 13 slapped with a maximum compound of RM300 and the rest temporarily suspended between seven and 12 months.

Hilarious tales of a taxi driver
Interview by Sim Bak Heng

K. Ayyappan, 68, is a taxi driver who currently lives in Taman Iskandar, Johor Baru

http://www.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Wednesday/MyJohor/20081118162041/insidepix1?display=small
pay more: Taxi fares these days are five times higher than 40 years ago despite more taxis on the roads.
I HAVE driven a taxi for almost four decades. There were hardly three housing estates 38 years ago when I first started, but there are scores now.

Although the number of roads in Johor Baru are in the hundreds, I have no problem remembering each and every one of them, despite the fact that I’ll be turning 70 in two years.

I have had many interesting and amusing experiences as a taxi driver, and as I recall those memories I cannot control my laughter.


In the early 1980s, I remember a young man boarding my vehicle near the Causeway telling me to “jalan lekas” (drive fast) as I asked him his destination.

I had to ask him again where he wanted to go, but he then repeated “jalan lekas” again.

I was fuming at him as I was already driving fast enough within the city area and I asked if he wanted me to get a summons by the traffic police.

It was at this time he said he wanted to go to Jalan Lekas, the name of a road. We burst into laughter.

There was also a time in the 1980s when a Singaporean asked me to send him to Jalan Kuching.

I told him there was no such road in Johor Baru but he insisted there was and wanted to bet on this with me.

As he showed me the direction to his destination, we both saw the road sign Jalan Kuning in Taman Pelangi.

He giggled, and I asked him where are the cats? We laughed heartily.

About 10 years ago, a young boy from Singapore boarded my taxi at the Causeway exit and asked me to send him to “Ke Hospital” near the Lido Beach to visit his relative.

I told him there was only the Sultanah Aminah Hospital (SAH) near Lido Beach and there was no such hospital as “Ke Hospital”.

He insisted there was one as he had seen the name at the roadside of the hospital just weeks ago.

Again, he showed me the way. As I was close enough to SAH, there was a temporary U-turn sign with the words “Ke Hospital” on it.

The puzzle was solved. As I explained to him that “Ke” was not a name, but a direction, he laughed.

Oh, one more. I was on a morning shift one day in 1975 and looking for passengers at the railway station. It was very chilly at 5.30am and I felt sleepy.

A man asked me to take him to the state police headquarters just two kilometres away. I put his luggage into the boot and drove my car.

I asked him whether he wanted to alight at the headquarters or at the Federal Reserve Unit behind the headquarters, but there was no response. I asked him again and still got no response.

As I was waiting for the traffic light about 50 metres away from the station, I suddenly saw a man running towards my taxi from behind.

The man stopped my car and asked if I had been out to cheat him. I then realised I had driven away even before he boarded my car. We were in stitches!

Four decades on and it is a completely different world for taxi drivers.

I remember a trip from town to Taman Century was only RM1.30 years ago. It is five times more now.

As most vehicles are empty when we go back to town, we usually pick up passengers along the way and we charge them 20 to 30 sen each.

Taxi fares were low in those days. A trip to Tampoi was only RM2, it’s now about RM10 or so. The furthest point in Kulai was only RM4, but it is now five to six times higher now.

In the 1970s, each gallon (4.55 litres) of fuel was only 64 sen, which worked out to be only 14 sen per litre. Look at the price of fuel these days!

At that time, there were only 300 taxis, but the number has reached 6,000 at present.

Despite the large number, I feel it is easier to get passengers as there are more housing estates and a bigger population now.

As my age is catching up, I don’t know how many more years I can go on driving before I call it a day.

Being a taxi driver is interesting and I love my job.

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/JohorBuzz/Wednesday/MyJohor/20081118162041/Article/index_html

Cabbies not keen on side business
By JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ


SOME of the taxi drivers in the city are unhappy with the government’s decision to allow them to do side business by selling packets drinks and phonecards to passengers.

According to them, the decision announced by the Entrepreneur and Cooperative Develop-ment Minister Datuk Noh Omar on Nov 17, was not reasonable and would not really help in supplementing their income.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/11/20/central/m_05rickman.jpg
Hiew: The decision is not practical because storing of food and drinks will take up space in the taxi.
Instead a better measure would be to raise taxi fares and focus on taxi drivers’ safety, they said.

Persatuan Radio Teksi Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan president Rickman Hiew said the decision was not practical because storing of the food and drinks in the taxi would take up a lot of space.

He added the side business would also attract petty thieves, who would be after the money collected from the sales.

“Moreover, how are we supposed to drive when we are selling drinks?,” said Hiew.

“Besides there is a Road Transport Depart-ment (JPJ) sticker in the taxis asking the passengers not to eat or drink while travelling,” he said in a press conference organised by Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai, at a Jalan Loke Yew Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) flats yesterday.

Also present at the press conference were Bukit Bintang MP Fung Kui Lun and Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng.

Hiew added that raising the taxi fare from RM2 to RM3 for the first kilometer would be a better solution, as the last fare increase by the government was almost 12 years ago.

“Of course, there were some fare increases over the years but it is very minimal. A RM1 increase will not make much difference to our customers because those who take cabs are a specific group of customers”.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/11/20/central/m_05taxis.jpg
The rule: A sign that says no eating, drinking or littering in the taxi.

The association also suggested the distance is shortened from 150m to 100m for every 10 sen.

Taxi drivers’ safety and the need to have more natural gas pumps were the other concerns expressed at the press conference.

“Taxis should be fixed with a safety grille due to the rising crime rate. Having more gas pumps is a necessity as sometimes we spend about three hours to fill up gas. It is a waste of time,” said Hiew.

Tan said he would bring the matter up in the parliament.

Malls not keen on taxi counters

KUALA LUMPUR: Several major shopping complexes are not keen to provide counters to sell taxi coupons, claiming that such counters would spoil their facade.

Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran said the coupon system would prevent taxi drivers from overcharging, but complex owners were not keen.

"They say there's a lack of space for the taxi booths and for passengers to queue up," Markiman said after opening a taxi counter at Serdang rail station on Tuesday.

Markiman said he had asked Kuala Lumpur City Hall to set up taxi counters at suitable places in the capital.


He said taxi counters at KL Sentral and KL International Airport had deterred taxi drivers from not using meters and charging different fares.

Markiman hoped taxi counters could be opened at all commuter rail stations.

On complaints against taxi drivers, he said the CVLB had received 138 reports so far this year.

Acting on the complaints, the CVLB had revoked the permits of 55 taxi drivers, suspended the permits of 70 taxi drivers for three to nine months and fined 13 others with the maximum compound fine of RM300. -- Bernama

Seems no one is keen on anything :lol::bash:Malls not keen on taxi counters
Cabbies not keen on side business

Cheers, m

Garis panduan jual makanan dalam teksi

BESUT 20 Nov. - Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP) dan agensi- agensi berkaitan akan menyediakan satu garis panduan sebelum cadangan membenarkan pemandu teksi menjual makanan dan minuman dalam kenderaan mereka dilaksanakan.

Pengerusi LPKP, Datuk Markiman Kobiran berkata, pada dasarnya cadangan itu akan membolehkan pemandu teksi memperoleh pendapatan tambahan ekoran suasana ekonomi sekarang.

Bagaimanapun, menurutnya, cadangan itu tidak boleh sewenang-wenangnya dilaksanakan tanpa garis panduan dan peraturan yang sesuai bagi mengelak timbul masalah setelah dilaksanakan kelak.

''Perkara ini juga akan dirujuk kepada Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna bagi mendapatkan maklum balas untuk dilaksanakan sebaik-baiknya," ujarnya.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada pemberita selepas majlis penutup Kursus Keusahawanan Dan Kecemerlangan Imej Pemandu Teksi dan Kereta Sewa Terengganu di Pejabat Penyelaras Dewan Undangan Negeri Jerteh dekat sini semalam.

Cabbies want to form a union
By YUEN MEIKENG


KUALA LUMPUR: Taxi drivers, frustrated at having to struggle to put food on the table, want to form a union to look into their welfare.

“We need a union to help us champion our plight and channel our problems to the Government,” said Taxi Drivers Welfare Associati-on Kuala Lumpur and Selangor chairman M. Manickam.

He said taxi drivers led a hard life as they were not entitled to the Employees Provident Fund savings and protection offered by the Social Security Organisation.

“We are not even given pay slips by taxi companies.

“Without pay slips and proper documentation of income tax deductions, it is extremely difficult for us to apply for bank loans,” said Manickam.

He added that most taxi drivers resort to borrowing from loan sharks.

Manickam said the daily rental fee of RM50 imposed by taxi compa-nies also added to their financial burden as they earned an average of RM110 on a good day.

“The Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board should just issue individual permits to taxi drivers instead of taxi companies so that we would not have to bear such high costs,” he said.

Manickam scoffed at the idea of taxi drivers selling packet drinks and phone cards to passengers to raise their income, saying that they do not have time to do side businesses.

“We might as well set up our own shop,” he said sarcastically.

He said that taxi drivers needed to focus on sending customers to their destination safely instead of trying to sell items. Manickam also hoped the Government would hold discussions with taxi drivers before rais-ing cab fares.

He added that those who wish to join the union can contact him at 016-2882775.

Sarawak to extend taxi coupon system
Friday November 28, 2008

KUCHING: The Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) plans to extend the use of the taxi coupon system in Sarawak by early next year.

Sarawak CVLB secretary Wan Samsulri Wan Hasbi said the system was implemented for cabbies at Kuching International Airport (KIA).

The plan was to use similar systems at strategic locations in Kuching before introducing it in other towns.

“Based on the successful implementation of the system at KIA, we hope it will bear similar results.

“The advantage is that passengers will know the exact fare before boarding a cab,” he said here recently.

However, CVLB would not phase out metered taxis despite numerous complaints as only selected places in Kuching would use the coupon system, he said.

He said that CVLB was awaiting feedback from taxi operators on the locations and fares for the system.

Meanwhile, Kuching Division Bumiputra Taxi Association chairman Abang Ideris Abang Jamali said, compared to the metered system, commuters could enjoy cheaper fares.

The rates were being worked out with cabbies associations, he said, adding that the coupons would be sold at shopping malls, taxi terminals and hotels for convenience. — Bernama

NEW Proton Taxi!
Proton Saga RED Concept by Proton Design
At KL Convention Centre
From paultan.org

http://img29.picoodle.com/img/img29/3/10/30/f_06m_456ba02.jpg


NEW Proton Taxi!

http://img19.picoodle.com/img/img19/3/12/1/f_010m_4ccadce.jpg

Cabbies paying more for fuel with subsidy card
By HAH FOONG LIAN


IPOH: Motorists in the country may have greeted the recent drop in fuel prices with smiling faces but taxi drivers find themselves paying more with the use of the petrol subsidy card.

Ipoh City Taxi Operator Association chairman Yap Siew Chuan said the subsidy card, which they received from the Government, charged RM1.92 for a litre of petrol.

Yap said that the Government had issued taxi drivers with the petrol subsidy card following the increase of retail price of petrol to RM2.70 a litre in June.

But now the retail price of petrol is RM1.90 a litre, he told reporters here Monday after raising the matter with Gopeng MP Dr Lee Boon Chye.

Yap said this meant that taxi drivers were paying two sen more for a litre of petrol if they were to use the card which they received in October.

“We hope the Government will revise the petrol subsidy card to less than RM1.50 a litre,” he said, adding that the card was now useless to them.

The Government had been slashing the retail price of petrol since its increase to RM2.70 a litre in June.

Prices had been cut for the fifth time this year and RON97 petrol is now RM1.90 per litre, while RON92 petrol and diesel are priced at RM1.80 a litre.

Yap said the taxi drivers were unable to lower their fares although the petrol price had dropped to RM1.90 per litre because the price of other items was still high.

“We are being burdened with the high cost of tyres, spare parts and maintenance fees,” he added.

Yap also urged the Government to look into the problem of high premiums imposed on taxi drivers.

In June, he said, taxi drivers experienced an increase in annual premium from some RM300 to RM800 for those with No Claim Bonus (NCB).

Without the NCB, the premium could even go up to RM1,000, he added.

Dr Lee said he would write to Bank Negara and Finance Ministry so that the respective authorities could help resolve the problems of the taxi drivers.

Free taxi rides for those affected
Thursday December 11, 2008

KUALA LUMPUR: Residents affected by the Bukit Antarabangsa landslide can take free taxi rides to any place in the Klang Valley until Saturday. The service is provided by the Ampang Taxi Drivers Association.

Entrepreneurial and Cooperative Development Minister Datuk Noh Omar said at a press conference that the service was only for those whose homes were affected by the tragedy.

He said residents who needed the service had to register at the Barisan Nasional operations booth at Jalan Bukit Antarabangsa.

Noh said the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council was providing a shuttle service for the residents – from their houses to Jalan Bukit Antarabangsa. The residents can then take the taxis from Jalan Bukit Antarabangsa.

The drivers, all volunteers, would be paid a stipend of RM300 per day.

CVLB Wants To Give 'Pirate Taxi' Operators Permits To Improve Sarawak's Rural Public Transport
December 15, 2008 16:06 PM

KUCHING, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- The Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) plans to issue some 'pirate taxi' (van sapu) operators with permits aimed at improving public transportation in Sarawak's rural areas.

Sarawak CVLB director Wan Samsulri Wan Hasbi said it planned to expand the services of "van sapu", a local term for 'pirate taxis' to rural areas by issuing them permits.

He said the legalised 'van sapu' which currently serve urban areas would charge passengers specific amounts for certain destinations.

"This is important as some major towns in the state have become important links for people in rural areas. Sri Aman, Betong and Saratok are the three areas identified," he told Bernama here today.

Wan Samsulri urged "van sapu" operators interested in expanding their services to rural areas to apply for permits so that they could operate legally.

On grouses that CVLB took too long to approve applications by "van sapu" operators, he said it had to be done properly and according to legal procedure.

"We have to vet all the applications particularly the new ones and this cannot be done immediately," he said adding CVLB had to check the operators background before allowing them to operate.

On the time frame taken to approve the applications, Wan Samsulri said it would take two weeks to one month to vet them.

He said CVLB had to make thorough checks before issuing the permits to ensure that only operators who met the financial and legal requirements were given.

This year alone more than 50 new permits had been issued in Sarawak.

They were made after stringent checks with various departments including the Road Transport Department (RTD).

"We are not trying to victimise the applicants but for the sake of all we have to be very careful when approving the permits," he added.

-- BERNAMA

by PAUL_8

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3260/3135011764_804c556816_b.jpg

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ATTENTION PLEASE!
From flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/3160614911_dd01148414_b.jpg

'Sistem lapik' taktik ulat LCCT

Oleh HISHAM IDRIS
hisham.idris@kosmo.com.my


http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0106/Kosmo/Negara/ne_05.1.jpg
RATUSAN teksi 'halal' berbaris panjang menunggu penumpang di LCCT, Sepang semalam.

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SEPANG - Taktik menyumbat penumpang dengan 'sistem lapik' membolehkan ulat-ulat teksi di Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) di sini mengaut untung berlipat kali ganda setiap kali penerbangan mendarat.

Melalui sistem tersebut, ia membolehkan ulat-ulat terbabit mendapatkan penumpang dengan mudah kerana kadar tambang yang dikenakan lebih rendah berbanding teksi yang sah, tetapi penumpang terpaksa berkongsi teksi.

Menurut Pengerusi Koperasi Jurupandu Usahawan Airport KLIA Berhad, Alias Mohd. Zakaria, sistem yang digunakan oleh ulat-ulat tersebut membuatkan harga tambang ditawarkan jauh lebih murah berbanding sistem kupon digunakan teksi berdaftar.

Perbezaan harga tersebut membuatkan lebih ramai pengguna percaya bahawa 'ulat' menawarkan harga rendah tetapi tidak mengetahui muslihat di sebalik harga yang ditawarkan.

"Mereka (ulat) tawar RM50 untuk perjalanan ke Kuala Lumpur berbanding kadar yang kita sudah tetapkan iaitu RM92.40 setiap kupon.

"Ini bermakna ulat mampu memperoleh sekurang-kurang RM150 untuk tiga kepala bagi sekali trip berbanding RM92.40 satu kepala untuk satu trip yang kami dapat," katanya ketika ditemui di Hentian Teksi LCCT semalam.

Kosmo! semalam melaporkan masalah ulat di LCCT kini menyebabkan pemandu teksi di situ terpaksa mengikat perut akibat kekurangan penumpang.

Keadaan tersebut pula bertambah buruk apabila daripada sejumlah 21,000 penumpang yang mendarat di LCCT setiap hari hanya kira-kira 1,500 pengguna memerlukan khidmat teksi.

Lembah Klang kurang teksi?

Oleh ZULKIPLE IBRAHIM

Ramai yang merungut perkhidmatan teksi di Kuala Lumpur agak sukar diperoleh.

"Bandar awak besar tapi nampak macam tak banyak teksi," kata Adamson Smith, pelancong dari Australia ketika menunggu teksi di sebuah hentian teksi di sebuah kompleks beli-belah Jalan Putra, Kuala Lumpur.

Situasi itu berlaku pada satu petang Sabtu baru-baru ini dan barisan menunggu teksi di situ agak panjang. Tetapi yang kelihatan hanya beberapa buah teksi yang berhenti untuk mengambil penumpang ke destinasi masing-masing.

Haneef Khan dari Yemen yang datang ke Kuala Lumpur untuk aktiviti pelancongan-perubatan berkata, agak sukar mendapatkan khidmat teksi di kompleks beli-belah terutama selepas senja.

"Selain itu, saya tidak mempunyai apa-apa rungutan terhadap khidmat teksi Kuala Lumpur," katanya.

Menurut pengalaman penulis, teksi di Kuala Lumpur senang didapati tapi kadangkala memang 'hilang daripada pandangan mata' di saat kita memerlukannya terutama pada tengah hari Jumaat dan hari hujan.

"Pada tengah hari Jumaat, pemandu teksi beragama Islam akan pergi sembahyang Jumaat, jadi anda tak akan jumpa ramai mereka di jalan raya," kata seorang pemandu teksi yang mahu dikenali sebagai Abu Bakar.

Abu Bakar yang merupakan bekas kapten Tentera Darat berkata, mereka yang memandu ketika itu hanyalah pemandu bukan Islam sedangkan pekerja pejabat ketika itu suka keluar beramai-ramai disebabkan waktu rehat yang lama.

"Sebab itu, tak banyak dan tak cukup teksi atas jalan pada tengah hari Jumaat," kata beliau.

Jadi memang betullah teksi tidak cukup untuk memenuhi permintaan di Kuala Lumpur?

"Saya tak pasti sebab ada lebih daripada 15 syarikat teksi di Lembah Klang yang menyumbang 20,000 buah teksi untuk perkhidmatan. Jumlah itu sepatutnya cukup," kata Abu Bakar.

Menurut Abu Bakar, ada antara pemandu teksi berhenti memandu selepas pukul 7 malam.

"Saya tahu ramai kawan saya (pemandu teksi) yang pulang ke rumah pada waktu petang. Sebab itulah ramai orang susah nak dapat teksi waktu senja," katanya.

Seorang pengawal keselamatan yang juga memandu teksi secara separuh masa berkata, penumpang tidak boleh salahkan teksi kerana 'menghilangkan' diri ketika waktu pagi dan petang selain ketika hari hujan.

"Dah hujan bang, sudah tentu trafik jam", katanya sambil menjelaskan ada pemandu teksi yang memang mengelak daripada pergi ke pusat bandar raya Kuala Lumpur ketika itu.

"Kami lebih senang ke Petaling Jaya, kalau sesak pun tak seteruk Kuala Lumpur," kata beliau.

Sementara itu, seorang lagi pengguna yang hanya mahu dikenali sebagai Suraiya Aziz, 30, berkata, dia juga nyaris-nyaris terlepas penerbangannya gara-gara ketiadaan teksi yang mahu menghantarnya ke KL Sentral.

Suraiya, kakitangan salah sebuah syarikat percetakan menjelaskan, lazimnya dia tidak menghadapi banyak masalah untuk mendapatkan teksi sekitar pukul 11 pagi.

"Tapi ikut nasib juga, pernah saya terpaksa menelefon lebih lapan syarikat teksi namun semuanya mengecewakan," ujarnya yang tinggal di kawasan perumahan di Kemensah, Kuala Lumpur. Lebih mengecewakan Suraiya, ada juga pemandu teksi yang memberi alasan yang tidak munasabah sebelum bersetuju mengambil penumpang.

"Mereka enggan datang mengambil saya kerana bimbang saya mungkin menaiki teksi lain yang melalui kawasan ini, walaupun saya sudah menyatakan persetujuan untuk menunggu teksi mereka," kata ibu kepada dua anak itu.

Malah, katanya ada juga teksi yang enggan menghantar penumpang ke kawasan tertentu ketika hari hujan sedangkan teksi tersebut hanya menunggu di stesen teksi.

"Saya ingat lagi, teksi sangat banyak di sekitar pusat beli-belah Giant Hulu Klang. Kejadian berlaku lebih kurang pukul 2 petang dan hari hujan. Suami saya perlu bergegas ke tempat kerja di Petaling Jaya. Namun, tiada teksi yang mahu menghantarnya.

"Saya tidak faham, bukankah khidmat mereka dibayar?" soal Suraiya.

Pengerusi Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP) Datuk Markiman Kobiran berkata, terdapat 22,094 teksi beroperasi dengan aktif di Lembah Klang.

Teksi-teksi itu beroperasi di Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Selangor dan Negeri Sembilan, kata beliau.

Menurut Abu Bakar lagi: "Orang ramai kena faham, tidak semua teksi ini berada di atas jalan raya pada satu-satu masa. Ada yang dihantar ke bengkel kerana rosak manakala pemandu teksi ialah manusia biasa yang mempunyai komitmen serta masalah peribadi atau keluarga.

"Kalau mereka tak mahu memandu dan hanya tinggal di rumah, kita dan pihak berkuasa tak boleh nak buat apa pada mereka. Tapi bagi mereka yang sewa permit daripada syarikat, mereka kena bekerja kerana nak bayar sewa harian."

Bagaimanapun, orang ramai yang mahu membuat laporan, boleh menghubungi LPKP di talian bebas tol 1 800 88 9600 atau SMS 39900.

"Saya rasa harga tambang teksi yang diluluskan pihak berkuasa di Malaysia adalah berpatutan sebab saya dapat bawa pulang RM100 bersih selepas bekerja dari pukul 6 pagi hingga 8 malam setiap hari," kata P. Kumareson dari Puchong, Selangor.

Menurut Kumareson, teksi yang beliau pandu ialah kenderaan gas asli (NGV) dan menggunakan gas sebanyak RM20 sehari.

"Bekerja dengan jujur, saya dapat lebih kurang RM180 sehari. Tolak RM20 untuk makan, RM20 untuk gas dan RM40 untuk sewa permit, saya ada baki RM100 untuk bawa pulang ke rumah.

"Saya sudah bawa teksi selama 18 tahun dan berjaya hantar semua anak saya ke universiti," kata bapa kepada empat anak itu.

Menurut Kumareson, dakwaan sesetengah pemandu teksi yang kerjaya itu tidak memberi pulangan adalah tidak benar.

"Bekerjalah dengan rajin dan anda akan menerima pulangannya," kata beliau. - Bernama

Ministry to meet bus and taxi reps


IPOH: The Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Ministry will meet representatives of bus and taxi federations today to discuss a surcharge plan to offset rising costs.

Minister Datuk Noh Omar said his ministry would consider all feedback during the meeting, including those of consumer associations and parent-teacher associations.

Mini bus, express bus and rental car operators have also been invited to the 8.30pm meeting at Medan Mara in Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur.

Urging schoolbus operators to be patient, Noh said the ministry would take the results of the discussion to the Cabinet for a decision.

“We want to see their (the operators) requests because they cannot burden the people.

“At the same time, the ministry wants to ensure that the operators do not suffer losses,” he told reporters at the Meru Valley Golf Resort on Sunday.

Noh noted that although the price of fuel had dropped, the cost of spare parts and insurance remained high.

Earlier this month, schoolbus operators reportedly threatened to take a two-week break unless the Government allowed a 30% surcharge or reduced the price of subsidised diesel to RM1 a litre.

The boycott would affect some 800,000 students.

Taxi system a big flaw in beautiful KL


AS a visitor to Kuala Lumpur, I have nothing but praise for this vibrant city with its varied cultures that blend so well together and for the advancements it is making on all the critical fronts, i.e. economically, socially and technologically.

“Malaysia Boleh” is the perfect motto because it exudes confidence and progress.

However, there is a big “BUT” to all this. The taxi services are a disgrace to a city that welcomes over eight million visitors a year. We can put up with the dilapidated state of many of the taxis and even being turned away by the drivers for no reason whatsoever, but being ripped off is unacceptable.

We have on many occasions been quoted an inflated rate for a 10-minute journey. The meter is switched off, and we are told that the traffic jam has forced this situation upon the taxi drivers.

To add insult to injury, there is a big sign in front of the KLCC building warning that we should only use metered taxis. But finding one driver who has his machine switched on and does not quote a flat rate (usually anything upwards of RM$20) is near impossible.

This is indeed a disappointing and sad state of affairs. I don’t think the air of resignation that seems to pervade over this appalling situation should be left to continue, and I would like to suggest that perhaps the newspaper could lead the way, with its readers, in campaigning for a fairer taxi system in KL and call on the Tourism Ministry to be more proactive in this matter.

I have no doubt that support will be forthcoming from all quarters because there will be others who will feel the same way too.

TIGGY MUNNELLY,

Kuala Lumpur.

Proton asked: Produce Malaysian-style taxi
Published: 2009/01/22

DEPUTY Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has suggested that national carmaker Proton produce a Malaysian-style taxi with unique design that Malaysians can be proud of.

He said the vehicle should be spacious to provide comfort to passengers and equipped with safety features and modern technologies, particularly in the collection of fares.

“I want to suggest that Proton design and produce taxis which are spacious and comfortable, with barriers between passengers and drivers and fares can be paid electronically,” he said.

Najib, who is Finance Minister, was speaking at the presentation of permits to 1,379 taxi drivers in the Klang Valley.

“With this, we can have our own unique taxi design the way London has its London taxi,” he said. - Bernama

Be at your best, Najib urges taxi drivers



KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Razak has joined the long list of senior leaders urging taxi drivers to create a good impression of Ma-laysia.

"Taxi drivers are like a window on the country and will be among the first people to be encountered after Immigration officers and airport workers.

"You have to be at your best. If the foreigners' experience with the drivers is good, their impressions will be good," he said yesterday at a ceremony to hand out individual taxi permits at the Putra World Trade Centre here.

A total of 1,419 taxi permits were issued to drivers who will operate in Selangor, Putrajaya and Seremban and here.

Present was Entrepreneur and Co-operatives Development Minister Datuk Noh Omar.

Najib said a good taxi driver worked hard, was polite to his customers and helpful.

"Just visualise yourself in your customer's shoes. Imagine him getting into your taxi and think of how you would feel if you were treated rudely."

He said taxi drivers lost nothing by being polite to their passengers and could even improve their services by learning a language or two.

He said the government would ask Proton to develop a car to cater to the local taxi industry.

Najib said the government had decided to grant individual taxi permits as it cared for the drivers and their welfare.

He said the government understood the drivers' difficulties and hoped the permits would help improve their income.

Noh said yesterday's permits were the first phase of the ministry's plan to license individual drivers.

Proton asked: Produce Malaysian-style taxi
Published: 2009/01/22

DEPUTY Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has suggested that national carmaker Proton produce a Malaysian-style taxi with unique design that Malaysians can be proud of.

He said the vehicle should be spacious to provide comfort to passengers and equipped with safety features and modern technologies, particularly in the collection of fares.

“I want to suggest that Proton design and produce taxis which are spacious and comfortable, with barriers between passengers and drivers and fares can be paid electronically,” he said.

Najib, who is Finance Minister, was speaking at the presentation of permits to 1,379 taxi drivers in the Klang Valley.

“With this, we can have our own unique taxi design the way London has its London taxi,” he said. - Bernama

TPM: Hasilkan teksi Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR 22 Jan. - Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak meminta syarikat pengeluar kereta nasional, Proton menghasilkan sebuah teksi beridentitikan Malaysia seperti teksi di kota London.

Beliau berkata, sudah tiba masanya Malaysia mempunyai teksi seumpama itu kerana ia mampu mempelbagaikan lagi daya tarikan pelancongan di negara ini.

Katanya, semua pihak harus sedar bahawa perkhidmatan teksi merupakan jendela kepada sesebuah negara dan justeru usaha ke arah itu perlu dilakukan dengan bersungguh-sungguh oleh semua pihak terbabit.

''Bagi memulakan projek ini saya meminta Kementerian Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi melakukan perbincangan dengan Proton supaya apa yang kita cita-citakan itu menjadi kenyataan.

''Saya mengimpikan perkhidmatan teksi kita bertaraf dunia,'' katanya ketika berucap pada majlis penyampaian surat tawaran kelulusan (STK) teksi individu Lembah Klang (Fasa 1) kepada 1,444 pemandu teksi di Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC) di sini hari ini.

Turut hadir Menteri Pembangunan Usahawan, Datuk Noh Omar dan timbalannya, Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.

Sementara itu, pada sidang akhbar selepas majlis itu, Noh menjelaskan lebih lanjut mengenai cadangan teksi ala-Malaysia yang bakal digunakan di negara ini menjelang tahun 2020 nanti.

Beliau berkata, teksi itu akan mempunyai ruang penumpang yang besar dan selesa. Ia akan turut menempatkan sebuah kios mini mengandungi minuman dan makanan ringan.

"Ia juga akan mempunyai kemudahan khusus bagi orang kurang upaya untuk naik dan turun dengan lebih senang dan mudah. Selain itu dilengkapi dengan penghadang antara ruang penumpang dan pemandu bagi tujuan keselamatan.

"Ruang penumpang juga akan dilengkapi dengan kemudahan mesin pembayaran elektronik yang boleh digunakan untuk membayar harga tambang teksi dan bil-bil utiliti serta keperluan lain yang difikirkan perlu untuk kemudahan penumpang," katanya.

Bas, teksi minta naik tambang 100 peratus


KUALA LUMPUR: Syarikat pengangkutan bas ekspres, bas henti-henti, bas sekolah dan teksi meminta tambang dinaikkan 60 hingga 100 peratus bagi menampung peningkatan kos operasi.

Menteri Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi, Datuk Noh Omar, berkata mereka meminta kerajaan menelitinya kerana kali terakhir tambang pengangkutan awam dinaikkan pada 2005.

“Pertubuhan dan pengusaha bas ekspres, bas henti-henti dan teksi meminta kenaikan 100 peratus, manakala bas sekolah meminta 60 peratus kenaikan. Bagaimanapun mereka menjelaskan ia tidak ada kaitan dengan harga minyak kerana ia tidak memberi kesan kepada pengangkutan awam.



“Ketika tambang dinaikkan pada 2005, harga diesel subsidi adalah 65 sen seliter dan walaupun ia meningkat kepada RM1.43 seliter sekarang, pengusaha masih mampu bertahan dan beroperasi,” katanya selepas majlis perasmian Seminar Pemantapan Imej Pengusaha Teksi Lembah Klang dan penyampaian Surat Tawaran Kelulusan Teksi Lembah Klang (Fasa 1), di Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC) di sini semalam.

Kelmarin, Berita Harian melaporkan kementerian pada dasarnya setuju menaikkan kadar tambang bagi bas ekspres dan bas henti-henti sebanyak 30 peratus dalam tempoh terdekat. Sumber memberitahu kenaikan dipersetujui dalam mesyuarat khas dipengerusikan Noh bersama 33 pihak berkaitan pengangkutan awam pada Selasa lalu.

Noh berkata, antara sebab utama tambang perlu dinaikkan untuk membiaya kos tayar, bateri, alat ganti, insurans, minyak pelincir dan pengurusan.

“Sebelum ini, jika bas ekspres mendapat 35 penumpang pun syarikat sudah boleh mengaut keuntungan, tetapi sekarang walaupun bas penumpang penuh sekali pun, belum tentu mereka untung,” katanya.

Noh berkata, kertas cadangan akan dirangka dalam masa terdekat sebelum dikemukakan ke Kabinet yang seterusnya akan menilai kewajaran kenaikan yang dicadangkan.

“Kerajaan akan mencari penyelesaian dengan mengambil kira kebajikan rakyat dan memastikan pengusaha tidak terus rugi kerana sudah ada syarikat gagal menjelaskan pinjaman akibat kenaikan kos operasi,” katanya.

a nice contrasting viewpoint.

Cheers, mInvestigate before simply heaping blame on taxi drivers (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/1/23/focus/3093428&sec=focus)

IN response to “Solve woes of taxi drivers” (The Star, Jan 22), I would like to relate my first visit to Penang before I decided to move here.

When I walked out from the hotel, a hotel worker asked me if I needed a taxi, and when I replied that I did, he helped to get me a taxi which was parked in front of our hotel.

The fare was RM35, said the hotel boy, and I agreed, believing that it was the best price. We reached our destination and I paid the taxi driver. He offered to fetch me back a couple of hours later.

On the way back, we stopped by his home because he had received a call from his wife who needed some money for food. He was living in a rundown wooden house.

When we reached the hotel, I gave him RM35 but he gave me back RM10 and told me that the real price was RM25. Because the hotel boy earlier took RM5 from him for that trip, I was charged RM35.

This happens in most hotels in Penang island and, as always, the authorities just blame the taxi driver without investigating the real culprits behind the incident.

The honest driver with the rundown wooden house was so charming that my wife and I decided to help him give up driving a taxi to start his own business, and he even helped us get a house in Batu Feringghi.

THOMAS EDMUNSEN,
Penang.

Najib urges Proton to expedite design of ‘M’sian taxi’
by Surin Murugiah
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has urged Proton Holdings Bhd to expedite the design of a standardised taxi to be used in Malaysia.

He said that although the market for such a model was relatively small in Malaysia, the potential for such a standardised design would be immense if it became the vehicle of choice for taxi operators.

“I believe this can become a reality provided Proton can offer the vehicle at competitive prices and emphasise the comfort and safety of both driver and passengers when designing the car,” he said.

http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/storage/images/com.tms.cms.image.Image_24373c90-cb73c03a-6127da00-77ecb75d/1/11a_inside.jpg
Najib (2nd from left), Noh Omar (to Najib's left) and Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah (left) taking a closer look at the new taxi by Proton yesterday.

Najib was speaking at a ceremony here yesterday to present offer letters for individual taxi permits to operators from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Putrajaya and Seremban whose applications for the permits were successful.

The government has agreed to award up to 3,000 individual taxi permits and yesterday’s 1,419 recipients were under the first phase of successful applicants from a total of 7,560 individuals.

Last June, Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Datuk Noh Omar said the government had asked Proton to design a taxi that could be uniquely identified as a “Malaysian taxi”.

Under the plan mooted by the cabinet, existing taxis comprising different makes and models would gradually be phased out and replaced with a standard model that would also be fitted with a fuel-saving device as well as the natural gas vehicle (NGV) kit.

Proton managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir had then said the company would study the request by the government as a change in design required extensive research and development.

Last December, Proton introduced its new Proton Saga taxi fitted with the NGV kit. Currently, four consortiums in Kuala Lumpur, namely Public Cab Sdn Bhd, KCM Fleet Sdn Bhd Avenue Drive (M) Sdn Bhd and Perniagaan Lima Sejati Sdn, have started using the new Proton Saga taxis.

New bus and taxi fares by April
Saturday January 24, 2009

KUALA LUMPUR: New bus and taxi fares are expected to be announced in the first quarter of the year after taking into consideration the needs of passengers and public transportation operators.

Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran said the proposed fares had been submitted to the Entre- preneur and Cooperatives Deve- lopment Ministry earlier this month.

“(The minister) Datuk Noh Omar will get feedback from the Transport Ministry, Finance Ministry and the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry before tabling it to the Cabinet next month,” he told Bernama yesterday.

He was commenting on the date for revising public transportation fares following a drop in fuel prices and other factors that triggered an increase in fares.

“The approach used in the proposal is how to increase the quality of public transportation services through the revision of fares and focusing on customer satisfaction.

“We are not forgetting bus and taxi operators because the last fare revision was done in 2005,” said Markiman, referring to the time when subsidised diesel cost 65 sen a litre, compared to RM1.43 now.

New bus and taxi fares by April


KUALA LUMPUR: New bus and taxi fares are expected to be announced in the first quarter of the year after taking into consideration the needs of passengers and public transportation operators.

Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran said the proposed fares had been submitted to the Entre- preneur and Cooperatives Deve- lopment Ministry earlier this month.

“(The minister) Datuk Noh Omar will get feedback from the Transport Ministry, Finance Ministry and the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry before tabling it to the Cabinet next month,” he told Bernama yesterday.

He was commenting on the date for revising public transportation fares following a drop in fuel prices and other factors that triggered an increase in fares.

“The approach used in the proposal is how to increase the quality of public transportation services through the revision of fares and focusing on customer satisfaction.

“We are not forgetting bus and taxi operators because the last fare revision was done in 2005,” said Markiman, referring to the time when subsidised diesel cost 65 sen a litre, compared to RM1.43 now.

Teksi hubungkan JB-Singapura

Oleh Khadijah Ibrahim
utusanjohor@utusan.com.my


http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2009/0311/Utusan_Malaysia/Johor/wj_01.1.jpg
DERETEN teksi Johor Bahru ke Singapura di Jalan Trus, Johor Bahru. – UTUSAN / ishak rahmad

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JOHOR BAHRU 10 Mac. – Jika ingin ke Singapura dengan selesa dan mudah, apa kata guna sahaja perkhidmatan teksi yang terdapat di Terminal Teksi Pasar Bakti, Kotaraya II, Jalan Trus di sini.

Teksi milik Persatuan Kebajikan Tuan-Tuan Punya Teksi Kereta Sewa Johor Bahru ke Singapura itu hanya mengenakan tambang RM10 (seorang penumpang) sahaja untuk perjalanan sejauh 26 kilometer (km) hingga ke perhentian teksi Jalan Rocher, Singapura.

Memang murah jika dibandingkan dengan harga perjalanan dalam bandar yang ada ketikanya mencecah RM15 untuk perjalanan dari perhentian teksi Larkin ke Taman Bayu Puteri.

Bagaimanapun anda akan dikenakan bayaran S$10 (RM24) jika menggunakan teksi dari Singapura ke Johor Bahru.

Yang Dipertua Persatuan, Haris Md. Sawin berkata, setakat ini sebanyak 174 buah teksi sentiasa bersedia beroperasi 24 jam untuk menghantar penumpang ke seberang tambak tanpa mengira waktu.

Katanya, perjalanan dari stesen teksi Johor Bahru ke Singapura hanya mengambil masa selama satu jam sahaja jika tidak berlaku kesesakan jalan raya.

Bagaimanapun perjalanan yang singkat itu boleh memakan masa hingga tiga jam, jika pihak berkuasa di sana mengadakan operasi ke atas kenderaan keluar masuk ke negara berkenaan.

“Masalah pemandu teksi adalah mereka tidak dapat menepati masa kerana semuanya bergantung kepada keadaan di jalan raya. Kalau tidak ada kesesakan, penumpang akan sampai ke destinasi dengan cepat.

“Kita tidak menyediakan jadual kerja untuk ahli. Semua bergantung kepada ahli untuk bekerja pada waktu yang sesuai. Selalunya, kalau mereka membawa penumpang pada sebelah pagi, petang baru kembali ke sini. Itu semua bergantung kepada penumpang,” katanya di sini, baru-baru ini.

Jelas Haris, terminal teksi Jalan Trus atau lebih dikenali sebagai perhentian teksi Johor Bahru-Singapura telah berbakti kepada orang awam lebih 20 tahun.

Katanya, orang ramai selesa menggunakan perkhidmatan teksi kerana di setiap pos pemeriksaan, penumpang tidak perlu turun untuk menjalani pemeriksaan.

Sebaliknya, mereka hanya perlu memberi pasport kepada pemandu yang akan uruskan kesemuanya dan pemandu teksi juga sedia membantu penumpang memberitahu mereka maklumat tentang destinasi yang hendak dituju.

Cabaran jadi pemandu teksi dua negara

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2009/0311/Utusan_Malaysia/Johor/wj_02.1.jpg
DUA pemandu menunggu giliran untuk membawa penumpang Johor Bahru ke Singapura di Jalan Trus, Johor Bahru, baru-baru ini.

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JOHOR BAHRU 10 Mac - Bukan mudah menjadi pemandu teksi tempatan yang membawa penumpang berulang alik dari Johor Bahru ke Singapura.

Ada ketikanya mereka terpaksa menunggu lebih 10 jam untuk mendapat penumpang di perhentian teksi Jalan Rocher, Singapura sebelum kembali ke Johor.

Sekiranya, mereka kembali dengan teksi kosong, maka pendapatan pada hari tersebut tidak mencukupi untuk membayar kos tol atau sewa kenderaan.

Malah, pemandu juga akan dipersalahkan jika penumpang membawa benda-benda larangan. Itulah risiko yang perlu dipikul oleh para pemandu teksi yang sering berulang alik ke negara tersebut.

Bagi Chang Hu Tow, 71, yang sudah 45 tahun menjadi pemandu teksi dan kini membawa kereta sewa ulang alik dari Tangkak - Ledang ke Singapura, senario begitu sudah lumrah.

Jelasnya, walaupun sampai di Singapura awal, namun beliau terpaksa tunggu lama untuk mendapat pelanggan ke Tangkak.

"Selalunya saya keluar dari rumah pada pukul 8 pagi, semua itu bergantung kepada pelanggan. Kalau mereka mahu bergerak awal, saya ikut sebab perjalanan mengambil masa selama tiga jam.

"Dari Tangkak - Ledang ke Singapura, saya kenakan tambang sebanyak RM180 dan balik pula S$120 (RM287). Apa pun sekarang ini pendapatan saya menurun sebanyak 30 peratus kerana pengguna sudah ada banyak pilihan," katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia di sini, baru-baru ini.

Menurut Hu Tow, ada ketikanya beliau terpaksa mengambil penumpang yang bukan hendak kembali ke Tangkak bagi memastikan teksinya tidak kosong apabila pulang ke Johor.

Bagi A. Wahab Hashim, 49, perkara yang sering menguji kesabarannya adalah ketika menunggu penumpang.

Katanya, di Johor Bahru untuk mengumpul empat penumpang bagi sebuah teksi mudah berbanding di Singapura terutamanya pada waktu pagi kerana ramai rakyat tempatan yang bekerja di negara itu.

"Nak dapat empat penumpang bagi sebuah teksi untuk balik ke Johor Bahru memang susah, sebab kebanyakan penumpang lebih gemar naik bas kerana harganya murah.

"Kadang-kadang pemandu teksi Malaysia terpaksa menunggu lama kerana orang Singapura sering mengutamakan rakyat mereka. Lagipun di sana pemandu teksi mereka bebas ambil dan turun penumpang di mana sahaja. Kita pula hanya boleh ambil dan turun penumpang di terminal," katanya yang sudah 15 tahun membawa teksi.

Sementara itu, Zaini Basir, 59, yang membawa kereta sewa dari Melaka ke Singapura berkata, sekarang pendapatannya kurang berbanding dulu sejak kerajaan negara tersebut memberhentikan para pekerja.

"Pada tahun 2000, saya kerap berulang alik ke sana kerana ramai polis yang bekerja di sana menetap di Melaka. Sekarang ini, bila usia pun sudah meningkat dan pelanggan pun yang biasa sahaja, saya jarang ke sana.

"Kalau ada pun atas permintaan pelanggan. Dalam seminggu adalah, dua kali saya membawa penumpang ke sana. Untuk perjalanan dari Melaka ke Singapura saya kenakan bayaran RM220 dan dari sana pula S$180," katanya yang mengambil masa selama tiga jam lebih untuk sampai ke Singapura.

Our Malaysian taxi trend of not using meter is just too disappointing & disgusting!
A strong enforcement of curbing this trend is needed!

source: TheStar

Don’t let tourists shy away from Malaysia

READ with disgust and anger the letter by a foreigner in “Tourist abused by cabby who refused to engage meter” (The Star, March 20). Is this the way Malaysians treat our visitors? How can the taximan be so rough on foreigners? I am deeply disturbed by this trend.

Such behaviour must be strongly condemned. It is not acceptable, especially when Malaysia needs the tourist dollar to keep from sinking into a recession.

There have been far too many reports of errant taximen, from locals and tourists, and nothing seems to be done to address this.

I hope the authorities will act on the foreigner’s complaint as we have to send the right signal that visiting Malaysia is a beautiful experience for tourists.

If our behaviours are allowed to continue like the taxi driver, no visitors will come to our country and we, Malaysians, will end up the ultimate losers.

BULBIR SINGH,
Seremban.

Taxi fare from JB to S’pore is RM5 more


JOHOR BARU: The taxi fare from here to Singapore has gone up from RM10 to RM15 per head effective yesterday.

Johor Baru-Singapore Taxi Federation acting chairman Ahmad Osman said the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board approved the increase last week.

The federation comprised the Johor Baru City Council and Singapore Taxi Owners and Drivers Association, the Johor Baru-Singapore Taxi Drivers Employer/Owners and the Johor Baru-Singapore Bhd Taxi Services Co.

Ahmad said the rise in fare was necessary for them to cope with inflation and to offset other charges such as the Electronic Road Pricing and toll charges in Singapore and Johor Baru.

Board chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran said the people should consider it a fare revision instead of an increase.

“We also have to bear in mind that the taxi charges by our Singaporean counterpart are much higher – S$10, which is about RM23.80 per trip,” he said.

Commuters irked by JB-S’pore taxi fare rise
By GLADYS TAY


JOHOR BARU: Taxi commuters between Johor Baru and Singapore were shocked by an unexpected 50% increase in the fare from RM10 to RM15.

They were taken aback by the price increase upon reaching the taxi terminal in Pasar Bakti here where they learnt about the drastic rise which came into effect on April 2.

Commuter P. Mallika, 45, who was annoyed by the increase, said she would consider taking a bus to work.


Uptrend:Ahmad (fourth from right) and some taxi drivers pledging to provide better service follwoing the fare increase in Johor Baru recently.

“I took the taxi because of the reasonable charge,” said the taxi coordinator, adding that the increase should not have been allowed as the petrol price had dropped.

Hairstylist Cindy Ng, 30, who commutes daily by taxi to Singapore, said it would have been better if the increase had been between RM1 to RM2.

She said the increase would burden the people more, especially with the economic downturn.

“I have been taking taxi to work in Singapore for more than ten years and this is the greatest fare rise I have experienced,” said Ng.

Johor Baru-Singapore Taxi Federation acting chairman Ahmad Osman said the rise was necessary for taxi operators to cope with inflation and charges such as Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) and toll charges in Singapore and Johor Baru.

The federation comprises Johor Baru City Council, Singapore Taxi Owners and Drivers Association, Johor Baru-Singapore Taxi Drivers Employers/Owners and Johor Baru-Singapore Bhd Taxi Services Co.

Ahmad explained that taxi operators had to pay S$3.50 (RM8.30) for ERP per trip to Rochor in Singapore and S$0.60 (RM1.40) toll at Woodlands Checkpoint in Singapore and RM1.90 toll at the CIQ in Bukit Cagar.

He said the operators were now allowed to take passengers to other destinations within a 33km radius from the Johor Baru-Singapore Taxi Terminal in Pasar Bakti.

“However, passengers will have to negotiate with the drivers on the fares,” he said during a press conference at the taxi terminal here on Friday.

When contacted, Commercial Vehicles Licencing Board chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran said the new fare was a revision and not an increase.

He said the route from Johor Baru to Singapore had been realigned and was further with the opening of the CIQ.

“We have to bear in mind that the taxi charge by the Singaporean counterparts is much higher, S$10, which is RM23.80 per trip,” he said.

Nazri expects taxi coupon report in 30 days


KUALA LUMPUR: The new minister in charge of the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) has given it 30 days to come up with a report on the taxi coupon system.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abd Aziz said he would look into the possibility of publishing the coupon fares to make it more transparent.

“The public will know what to expect. I will also meet the taxi drivers and concessionaires to thrash out this matter,” he said.

Some taxis – particularly those operating at tourist spots – use the coupon system.

Nazri said he wanted to resolve the issues of errant taxi drivers refusing to use meters and accidents involving express buses.

how ironic that the "Taxi Permit King" is now responsible for fixing the taxi system.

I guess everyone deserves a second chance.

Cheers, m

Tambang baru bas, teksi diumum bulan depan


KUALA LUMPUR: Kadar tambang baru bas dan teksi dijangka diumumkan bulan depan selepas semakan dibawa ke perhatian Kabinet, akhir bulan ini.

Pengerusi Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP), Datuk Markiman Kobiran, berkata kadar tambang baru itu membabitkan bas henti-henti, bas ekspres, bas pengantara dan bas sekolah selain teksi serta kereta sewa.

"Kita menunggu maklum balas Kementerian Pengangkutan dan Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna sebelum semakan dibawa ke Kabinet akhir bulan ini," katanya kepada Bernama semalam.



Katanya, kajian semakan tambang telah dibawa kepada perhatian Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz pada 7 Mei lalu, tetapi enggan menyatakan peratus kenaikan.

Sebelum ini, kerajaan dilaporkan bersetuju pada dasarnya memberi kenaikan 30 peratus bagi meringankan beban pengusaha pengangkutan awam termasuk surcaj 30 peratus tambang bas ekspres yang dikekalkan sehingga hari ini.

Higher taxi and bus rates to go before Cabinet


KUALA KANGSAR: New bus and taxi fares will be presented to the Cabinet for approval next week, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.

He said the new fares would cover taxis and express, feeder, school and standard bus services.

“I have studied and approved the proposal by the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board. I have to get feedback from all ministries before presenting it to the Cabinet,” he told reporters in Kati near here yesterday.

Nazri, however, declined to reveal the quantum of increase as it involved many sectors but said it would not burden the people.

“We will always consider the interest of operators and consumers before deciding. How can we expect good service if the operators can’t make money?” he asked.

The Government was said to have agreed to a 30% increase although the operators had asked for a 60% to 100% rise.

He said the Cabinet could only discuss the new fares next week (early June) as it had other pressing matters on the agenda including that on the Port Klang Free Zone. — Bernama

Lulus naik caj bas, teksi
Oleh Mohd Feroz Abu Bakar
bhnews@bharian.com.my
Kadar baru dikuat kuasa selepas kelulusan jemaah menteri

PADANG RENGAS: Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP) sudah meluluskan kenaikan tambang semua jenis pengangkutan awam, termasuk teksi yang naik daripada RM2 bagi dua kilometer pertama kepada RM3 bagi jarak sama.

Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz, berkata kenaikan yang diluluskan itu termasuk semua jenis bas termasuk bas sekolah dan bas henti-henti.

"Saya sudah tandatangan kertas cadangan kenaikan tambang pengangkutan awam ini bagi pihak LPKP dan kertas ini akan diedarkan kepada semua kementerian untuk mendapat maklum balas semua menteri.



"Bagaimanapun, kadar baru itu hanya akan dikuatkuasakan selepas mendapat kelulusan Jemaah Menteri, yang dijangka bulan depan," katanya kepada pemberita selepas merasmikan Kempen Bumi Hijau Parlimen Padang Rengas di sini, semalam.

Nazri yang hanya memberi jumlah kenaikan tambang teksi bagi dua kilometer yang pertama, berkata beliau tidak dapat memberi peratus kadar kenaikan bagi bas ekspres, bas henti-henti dan bas sekolah, kerana jumlahnya berbagai-bagai.

Mohamed Nazri yang juga Ahli Parlimen Padang Rengas berkata, jika diluluskan Kabinet dan pengguna teksi rasa beban dengan kadar baru itu, mereka mempunyai pilihan lain, iaitu menggunakan bas awam.

Beliau berkata, bagi ibu bapa yang mempunyai ramai anak bersekolah dan menanggung jumlah tambang yang tinggi berikutan kadar baru tambang bas sekolah, boleh memohon potongan daripada pengusaha atau menghantar sendiri anak ke sekolah.

Katanya, LPKP terpaksa menaikkan tambang pengangkutan awam kerana tidak mahu pengusaha menanggung kerugian berikutan kenaikan harga alat ganti kenderaan sejak kebelakangan ini.

"Kami juga cuba membantu pengusaha mengurangkan kos penyelenggaraan melalui rundingan dengan pembekal tayar, minyak pelincir dan alat ganti lain," katanya.

Kenaikan tambang ke Kabinet minggu depan
KUALA KANGSAR 25 Mei - Kertas cadangan kenaikan tambang pengangkutan awam akan dikemukakan ke Kabinet minggu depan, kata Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz.

"Kertas cadangan itu telah diluluskan Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP) dan saya sendiri melihat serta menandatanganinya minggu lalu sebelum diserahkan kepada kementerian lain," katanya di sini semalam.

Beliau ditemui selepas merasmikan Kempen Bumi Hijau anjuran Biro Pertanian UMNO Padang Rengas di Sekolah Menengah Temenggong Kati.

Menurut Mohamed Nazri, kenaikan tambang itu akan melibatkan semua pengangkutan awam termasuk bas dan teksi.

"Kita mahu berlaku adil dan ingin melihat perkhidmatan pengangkutan awam lebih bertanggungjawab dan dapat berkhidmat dengan sebaik mungkin kepada pelanggan.

"Kenaikan ini bergantung kepada sektor dan jenis perkhidmatan yang diberi bukannya secara purata berdasarkan suasana setempat. Misalnya Kuala Lumpur tidak sama dengan di Pulau Pinang," katanya.

Beliau menyatakan, keputusan tentang tambang tersebut bergantung kepada Kabinet setelah mendapat pandangan daripada semua pihak.

"Kenaikan ini juga akan mengambil kira soal menjaga kepentingan semua pihak termasuk operator, pemandu dan pengguna," katanya.

Kenaikan tambang ke Kabinet minggu depan
KUALA KANGSAR 25 Mei - Kertas cadangan kenaikan tambang pengangkutan awam akan dikemukakan ke Kabinet minggu depan, kata Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz.

"Kertas cadangan itu telah diluluskan Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP) dan saya sendiri melihat serta menandatanganinya minggu lalu sebelum diserahkan kepada kementerian lain," katanya di sini semalam.

Beliau ditemui selepas merasmikan Kempen Bumi Hijau anjuran Biro Pertanian UMNO Padang Rengas di Sekolah Menengah Temenggong Kati.

Menurut Mohamed Nazri, kenaikan tambang itu akan melibatkan semua pengangkutan awam termasuk bas dan teksi.

"Kita mahu berlaku adil dan ingin melihat perkhidmatan pengangkutan awam lebih bertanggungjawab dan dapat berkhidmat dengan sebaik mungkin kepada pelanggan.

"Kenaikan ini bergantung kepada sektor dan jenis perkhidmatan yang diberi bukannya secara purata berdasarkan suasana setempat. Misalnya Kuala Lumpur tidak sama dengan di Pulau Pinang," katanya.

Beliau menyatakan, keputusan tentang tambang tersebut bergantung kepada Kabinet setelah mendapat pandangan daripada semua pihak.

"Kenaikan ini juga akan mengambil kira soal menjaga kepentingan semua pihak termasuk operator, pemandu dan pengguna," katanya.

Tambang pengangkutan wajar naik

KUALA LUMPUR 25 Mei - Langkah kerajaan mengkaji semula kadar tambang pengangkutan awam di negara ini disifatkan oleh pengusaha terlibat sebagai tindakan yang wajar kerana kadar sedia ada tidak dapat menampung kos operasi mereka.

Presiden Persatuan Pengusaha Teksi dan Kereta Sewa Wilayah Persekutuan dan Selangor (Perkepli), Datuk Aslah Abdullah berkata, kadar kenaikan itu munasabah kerana ia mampu mengurangkan beban pengusaha perkhidmatan.

"Sebelum ini pemandu teksi mengenakan tambang sebanyak RM2 untuk dua kilometer pertama tetapi kadar baru mungkin sebanyak RM3.

"Walaupun kenaikan yang diberi masih belum mencapai 30 peratus seperti diminta oleh persatuan, ia sedikit sebanyak mampu mengurangkan beban kami," katanya ketika dihubungi Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika diminta mengulas kenyataan Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz mengenai kertas cadangan kenaikan tambang pengangkutan awam yang dijangka diumumkan oleh LPKP seperti dilaporkan akhbar hari ini.

Mohamed Nazri berkata, kadar baru itu hanya akan dikuatkuasakan selepas mendapat kelulusan Kebinet.

Sementara itu, Presiden Persatuan Pengusaha Bas seluruh Malaysia (PMBOA), Datuk Mohamad Ashfar Ali berkata, kenaikan tersebut sememangnya amat dinanti-nantikan.

"Meskipun kenaikan ini akan memberi sedikit bebanan kepada penguna, mereka perlu bersikap positif.

"Situasi ini tidak akan berlaku sekiranya kerajaan dapat mengurangkan harga diesel sekurang-kurangnya RM1 seliter atau memberikan subsidi kepada pengusaha bas," ujarnya.

Beliau bagaimanapun enggan mengulas lanjut kerana perkara itu masih kabur dan belum ada pengesahan daripada kerajaan.

Taxi and bus fares up soon
By TEH ENG HOCK

KUALA LUMPUR: Taxi and bus passengers will be forking out between 30% and 50% more for their trips when fares are raised soon – and it could be as early as next month.

With the increase, a 10km taxi ride will cost more than RM10 instead of the current RM8, and even more should they be caught in a traffic jam.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz told reporters after hosting a dialogue with taxi operators and associations in the Klang Valley that a memorandum on the fare increase had been circulated to all ministries for their feedback.

The increase would encompass fares for taxis and stage, express and schoolbuses, he said.

Nazri said the starting fare for taxis would increase from RM2 to RM3 for the first kilometre and from 10 sen to 13 sen for every subsequent 150m.

He said that when a taxi was stationary, such as during a traffic jam, the proposed rate was 13 sen for every 27 seconds, more than a 100% increase from the 10 sen for every 45 seconds.

Although Nazri declined to reveal the proposed fare increase for buses, sources indicated that the rise would be around 30%.

It is also understood that despite Nazri saying that he would table the proposal to the Cabinet only after receiving feedback from the ministries, the matter could be decided this month.

At the dialogue, taxi operators and associations also told Nazri that they had problems buying insurance for their vehicles as the firms did not want to sell them policies.

“I have spoken to the minister in charge of the Economic Planning Unit Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop and proposed that instead of a full liability plan, the Insurance Act should be amended to allow for limited liability.

“Currently, insurance companies collect RM400mil a year in premiums, but the claims come up to about RM2bil. Maybe we can limit them to RM5,000 or RM10,000,” he said.

Fare hike to stay, says Nazri


SEREMBAN: The Government has allowed the 30% surcharge imposed by express bus operators during last year’s Hari Raya to become part of a permanent fare increase.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said the actual fare hike to be announced by the government later would be “most minimal”, over and above the 30% surcharge .

The surcharge was initially approved by the government for only one month during the Hari Raya period, but express bus operators were allowed to continue charging the increased fare indefinitely after an appeal to the government.

He said that since the 30% surcharge had never been retracted, the government could not allow another hike in quick succession.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/6/10/nation/n_08cabbies.jpg
Women cabbies: (From left) M. Meenambal, 45, Kamisah Mohamed Din, 49, and Chiang Quee Lian, 45, looking at their taxi permits given by Nazri at a ceremony in Seremban Tuesday. — Bernama

Citing an example, he said the one-way bus fare on the Seremban-Kuala Lumpur route which used to be RM4.70 before the surcharge, was increased to RM6 during the Hari Raya period. The increased fare has not been lowered since.

“When we announce the next round of fare increase, the new fare will be slightly higher, say around RM6.10 or RM6.20,” he told reporters after handing over taxi permits to 73 individuals from the state here.

Nazri said the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board was in the final stages of coming up with the new fare structure for buses and taxies.

“We are getting feedback from the relevant ministries and once this is done, I will get the final approval from the Cabinet before announcing it,” he said.

On a separate matter, Nazri warned bus and taxi operators not to employ foreigners as drivers.

He said those found guilty would be slapped with a RM300 compound each.

“I have friends who tell me that they are greeted with “nak ke mana pak” (where do you wish to go Sir) by Indonesian taxi drivers at KLIA.

“We also have Pakistani cabbies driving around Kuala Lumpur who do not even know where KLCC is,” he added.

Menteri dapat malu - Sikap membenarkan warga asing memandu teksi menjadi-jadi

Oleh NADZARUL AMIR ZAINAL AZAM
amir.azam@kosmo.com.my


http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0610/Kosmo/Negara/ne_09.1.jpg
SEORANG pemandu teksi warga asing melayan dua pelancong di hadapan KLCC.
- Gambar hiasan.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SEREMBAN - "Saya malu bila ada tetamu yang turun di KLIA (Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur) kata kita sekarang berada di Jakarta sebab pemandu teksi bertanya, 'Bapak mahu ke mana?".

Itu pengalaman Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz mengenai senario sesetengah pihak yang membenarkan warga asing membawa teksi di KLIA.

"Bila tiba di pusat bandar pula, penumpang yang naik teksi bertanya hendak ke Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), pemandu dari Pakistan menjawab, you show me sir. Sepatutnya pemandu teksi yang lebih tahu. Apa cerita ni?," katanya di sini semalam.

Tambang bas biasa, ekspres naik 10 sen
Oleh Ziauddin Sharuddin
zia@bharian.com.my




Ganti surcaj 30 peratus pada musim perayaan

SEREMBAN: Surcaj 30 peratus bagi bas henti-henti dan ekspres yang dilaksanakan pada musim perayaan tahun lalu akan ditukarkan kepada kenaikan tambang, kata Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz.

Sehubungan itu, katanya, kadar kenaikan tambang bas henti-henti dan ekspres yang akan diumumkan tidak lama lagi hanya menyaksikan kenaikan 10 sen atau tiada sebarang perbezaan.



Sebagai contoh, katanya, kadar tambang bas dari Seremban dan Kuala Lumpur sebelum musim perayaan tahun lalu adalah RM4.70 dan selepas dikenakan surcaj RM1.30, kadar tambang yang dikenakan terhadap penumpang ialah RM6.

"Oleh itu, jika kenaikan tambang baru diumumkan, pengguna tetap membayar kadar tambang sebanyak RM6," katanya selepas menyampaikan 83 Surat Tawaran Kelulusan (STK) lesen teksi dan kereta sewa individu, di sini, semalam.

Kali terakhir kenaikan tambang bas dibuat pada 2005 menyebabkan Persatuan Pengusaha-Pengusaha Bas SeMalaysia meminta kerajaan menaikkan kadar tambang pengangkutan itu.

Walaupun harga minyak diturunkan, pengusaha syarikat bas memberi alasan kenaikan perlu berikutan peningkatan kos operasi, terutama kos penyelenggaraan, alat ganti dan upah pemandu.

Kerajaan sebelum ini dilaporkan bersetuju memberi kenaikan tambang 30 peratus bagi meringankan beban pengusaha pengangkutan awam itu termasuk surcaj 30 peratus tambang bas ekspres yang dikekalkan hingga hari ini.

Nazri berkata, Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP) kini pada peringkat akhir untuk mendapatkan maklum balas kementerian berkaitan kenaikan kadar tambang.

"Saya juga berpendapat sudah tiba masanya kadar tambang diubah dan berharap semua pihak bersabar sebelum kata putus dibuat," katanya.

Sementara itu, katanya, kerajaan tidak teragak-agak membatalkan permit pemilik teksi yang mahu mengaut keuntungan mudah dengan membenarkan warga asing memandu teksi mereka.

Beliau berkata, LPKP mengesan beberapa pemilik teksi melakukan perbuatan itu dan kini dalam proses mengambil tindakan terhadap mereka.

Bagaimanapun, katanya, tindakan membatalkan lesen hanya diambil jika mereka melakukan kesalahan buat kali ketiga, manakala kesalahan pertama dan kedua, masing-masing dikenakan kompaun RM300.

"Kerajaan memandang serius perbuatan itu kerana permit teksi hanya untuk rakyat Malaysia supaya mereka dapat mencari rezeki dan bukan untuk warga Indonesia, Nepal dan Pakistan," katanya.

by DamnMyLoginIsTaken
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jacol/3676713695/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2474/3676713695_c4dc2ea06d_o.jpg

NOTE: SAY NO TO TAXI TOUTS!

New taxi fares in the offing


KUALA LUMPUR: New taxi fares will be announced on Thursday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abd Aziz said.

Nazri, however, did not disclose the quantum of the increase for the new fares, which will be adjusted upwards.

In late May Nazri had said the new bus and taxi fares would be presented to the Cabinet for approval.

On the 3,000 taxi permits announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak,, Nazri said priority would be given to taxi drivers who had been driving for more than 10 years and with a good track record.

Currently, there are about 9,000 applications for individual permits still pending with the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CLVB) since last October.

“We need to go through the applications first and also listen to the industry players who have been complaining about too many taxi permits being given away,” said Nazri.

He also stressed that taxi permits would be given based on merits and not quota.

“Between creating more entrepreneurs and providing good service to the people, I opt for the latter,” he said, adding that one should not compromise on the standard of taxi service in the country.

“We want the general public to enjoy the best taxi service,” he told reporters after opening the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme Series 2/2009 held at the National Institute of Public Administration (Intan) in Bukit Kiara yesterday.

Kadar tambang baru teksi - kadar mula naik RM3


KUALA LUMPUR: Kerajaan hari ini mengumumkan kadar tambang baru untuk perkhidmatan teksi dengan tambang permulaan RM2 dinaikkan kepada RM3 dan 10 sen bagi setiap 115 meter atau sebahagian.

Pengumuman itu dibuat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.

Beliau berkata sekiranya teksi terperangkap dalam kesesakan dan kenderaan tidak bergerak, tambang RM3 dikenakan bagi tiga minit pertama dan setiap 10 sen bagi setiap 21 saat berikutnya.

Kadar tambang baru teksi naik mulai 1 Ogos


KUALA LUMPUR: Kadar baru tambang teksi naik dari RM2 kepada RM3 mulai 1 Ogos, Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menter, Datuk Seri Mohamad Nazri Aziz mengumumkan hari ini.


Kadar tambang baru teksi - kadar mula naik RM3


KUALA LUMPUR: Kerajaan hari ini mengumumkan kadar tambang baru untuk perkhidmatan teksi dengan tambang permulaan RM2 dinaikkan kepada RM3 dan 10 sen bagi setiap 115 meter atau sebahagian.

Pengumuman itu dibuat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.

Beliau berkata sekiranya teksi terperangkap dalam kesesakan dan kenderaan tidak bergerak, tambang RM3 dikenakan bagi tiga minit pertama dan setiap 10 sen bagi setiap 21 saat berikutnya.

Cabinet approves new bus, taxi fares


KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet has approved an increase for taxi fares, from RM2 to RM3 for the first three minutes, after which it is 10sen for every 115 metres.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abd Aziz announced the new fares on Thursday.

The fares are expected to come into affect next month, but no date has been specified.

The 50% surcharge after midnight still applies, but is now applicable at the time the passenger is left off and not when he or she is picked up.

Syed Nazri said a database on taxi drivers would also be set up to aid enforcement against errant drivers.

Express bus fares will also go up by 2sen per kilometre, while stage bus fares in Kuala Lumpur will increase by between 25sen and 70sen accoridng to zones.

Bus, taxi fares up 30%, service to improve, says Nazri


Table on the new fares
http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/17/nation/n_newfare.pdf

KUALA LUMPUR: Public transport fares will cost 30% more from next month.

The new flag-off fare for taxis will be RM3, up from RM2, while passengers will be charged 10 sen for every 115m, instead of 150m currently.

For taxis caught in a traffic jam, the fare will be RM3 for the first three minutes and 10 sen for every subsequent 21 seconds, instead of 45 seconds previously. Taxis will also have to issue receipts.

Express bus fares will go up by two sen per kilometre, while for stage buses in Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding areas, the increase will be between 25 and 70 sen, according to the zones.


Nazri (third, left) with some of the taxi drivers after announcing the new fares for public transport.

Schoolbus fares in urban areas will also increase from RM21.10 to RM27.43 for the first kilometre and from RM1.55 to RM2.02 for every subsequent kilometre.

For rural areas, the increase will be from RM15.85 to RM20.61 for every kilometre.

Announcing the increase yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abd Aziz said public transport companies were, however, also expected to improve their level of service in line with the fare hike.

“I don’t think the public will be shocked by the increase as they have been conditioned for it. The proposed increase has been reported for some time.

“The increase is reasonable, taking into consideration the various initiatives and subsidies given by the Government to the public transport sector,” he told reporters after giving permits to 831 taxi drivers here yesterday.

He said the Cabinet had, on June 17, agreed to the proposal to increase the fares. The fare structure will be reviewed every year, he added.

The last fare increase for taxis, and express and stage buses was in 2005, while for schoolbuses, it was in 2006.

Nazri said among the measures to enhance their service, public transport firms were expected to adhere to Government’s guidelines for efficient management of their fleet, display the fare schedule in all their vehicles and ensure training for all their drivers.

They were also expected to cooperate with the authorities to set up a databank of drivers’ records to aid enforcement against those blacklisted.

Other measures included a 25% discount to the disabled and senior citizens, streamlining of fares for Sabah and Sarawak, installation of global positioning systems and phasing out non-air conditioned buses by 2010.

Puspakom, added Nazri, has also agreed to reduce its fees to re-calibrate taxi meter fare from RM50 to RM10.

Hikes are ‘sad’, say bus operators


PETALING JAYA: The 30% fare increase for express buses and Kuala Lumpur stage coaches will not do much for the industry.

Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Mohd Ashfar Ali said that a 30% interim surcharge had already been implemented since Sept 15 last year, and this was just making it permanent.

“As far as we are concerned, it’s nothing new,” he said yesterday.

He said the hikes were “sad” as it meant that passengers could not enjoy better service, and workers would not be able to get their bonuses and salary increases.

He added that despite numerous memoranda to the Economic Planning Unit and the National Economic Action Council, the Government appeared not to grasp the real problems affecting bus operators.

“It is the operators servicing the rural people outside the Klang Valley that need the bus services to be subsidised.

“Raising the fares only for buses plying urban routes was not effective as their passenger loads were consistently high and profitable, unlike those servicing rural roads,” Ashfar said.

Meanwhile, National Collaborative Council of Parent-Teacher Associations chairman Datuk Mohd Ali Hasan said the schoolbus price hike should not have exceeded 10%.

He said the increase did not take into account the hardships faced by the people.

“The bus drivers’ associations must also consider the general welfare of the people, who will feel the pinch of this hike,” Mohd Ali said.

Ariff Kassim, a parent in Johor Baru, said the hike came at a bad time.

“I’m paying RM80 a month for my son in Form Three. I will probably need to pay more than RM100 now.

“As a parent, I cannot support any increase,” Ariff said.

Business owner Jamilah Adom, who said she would need to fork out more than RM300 with the fare increase, called it “unreasonable.”

Despite the announced rise in fares, some taxi drivers currently operating without meters said they did not feel the need to change.

“I can still earn more operating without the meter,” said a taxi driver who did not wish to be identified.

Most taxi drivers interviewed, however, said they were happy with the new rates as it was better than nothing.

Meanwhile, the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board will conduct random checks to ensure that all public transport firms adhered to regulations to improve their services.

Board chairman Datuk Halimah Sadique said it would also make it compulsory for all taxi drivers to be members of associations so that they could be traced if they flouted regulations.

She added that public transport firms had four months from Aug 1 to calibrate their taxi meters and ensure that all the policies were in place.

Taxi commuters fume over fare hike
By BAVANI M & NG MIN XI


WHILE taxi operators and taxi drivers are cheering with the latest increase in taxi fares, regular taxi commuters in the city are crying foul with the new rates saying that it will do nothing to improve the service.

Most taxi commuters who were interviewed by StarMetro yesterday said they had little confidence that Malaysian cabbies would change their attitude and become good drivers with the increased rates.

“It’s not like we have a choice to switch to other public transport since our system is not up to mark.

“Some of us will have to take taxis and there will be bad drivers waiting to fleece customers,’ said IT executive Edward Gomez.

“The good ones may still follow rules but there will be many who will still flout the rules and overcharge,” added Gomez.

The new taxi rates announced by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz yesterday will take effect on Aug 1.

The new rates will be increased from RM2 to RM3 for the first kilometre, 10sen for every subsequent 115m.

When the taxi is stationary, such as during a traffic jam, the proposed rate is 10 sen for every 21 seconds (current rate is 45 seconds).

Another good news for cabbies was that the fee to re-calibrate their meters have been reduced from RM50 to RM10.

“This is ridiculous,’’ Jenny Goh, another commuter said. “You are rewarding them (cabbies) for being rude, disrespectful and for overcharging people. I do not see things improving,’’ Goh added.

As for K. Eswari, she felt that change would only come through proper enforcement.

“We need good and constant enforcement, with stringent rules and laws to punish errant cabbies,’’ she said.

Eswari said the government must be serious in tackling the problem and must not hesitate to cancel, suspend or even throw lawless taxi drivers into jail.

A tourist from Netherlands, Sander Schuurman felt frustrated that taxis in Malaysia overcharge customers and nothing had been done about it.

“I am always being overcharged. It costs me RM20 to get from Swiss Hotel to KLCC, Something should be done” said the 30-year-old tourist.

“The economy is not good and prices are going up. Now with the fare increase, it does not make sense,” Mohammad Ridzuan, a 26-year-old house detective said.

Klang Valley Taxi Owners Association president Abdul Jalil Maarof said the fare increase was timely and was a morale booster for the taxi drivers especially with the escalating cost of living and higher operating and maintenance cost.

When asked if this would mean that drivers would now play by the rule and use the meter, Abdul Jalil said: “Of course. This would change everything and they (cabbies) will surely follow the rules,’’

However, cabbies on standby at the KLCC and Bukit Bintang taxi stands in the city were singing a very different tune when asked to comment about the new increased rates.

“Nothing changes for me. It is the same even with an increase. I still earn more by operating without the meter. How else can I survive?” asked a disgruntled driver.

“By using the meter, I can earn only about RM150 day. RM50 goes to the taxi company and there is still maintenance fees to think about,” said the driver.

When making the announcement Nazri Abdul Aziz said several factors such as destination, distance and time were taken into consideration before the fare increase.

The review on public transportation fares was prepared by the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB). The last fare review was done in 2005.

Streets mail: Inconsistent taxi fares a turn off for tourists

2009/07/22
SUSAN SIMPSON, Britain

AS a regular visitor to Malaysia, I am completely baffled at the varying rates of taxi fares. Not only from the airport to the city and return, but also the fares to travel between Taman Maluri, the city centre and shopping areas.

I provide the following examples: RM67++ from KLIA to Swiss Garden Hotel but RM120++ for a return journey (both by coupon); and RM76++ from KLIA to a private address in Taman Maluri.

Taxi fares within the city vary greatly. I have become adept at assessing each taxi driver and their fare, and would alight from a taxi if I am not satisfied.

Due to the above, my visit to Malaysia had been spoilt by these non-regulated charges and my advice on returning home to family and friends would be to avoid Kuala Lumpur as a holiday destination.


These comments will do little to bolster the visitor numbers hoped for by the Tourism Minister, but unless action is taken, Kuala Lumpur's loss will be the gain of other Asian cities.

Meter-less cabs in Johor
By NELSON BENJAMIN, DESIREE TRESA GASPER AND AUSTIN CAMOENS


JOHOR BARU: The recent hike in taxi fares nationwide does not matter to Johoreans, as they have long suffered the widespread problem of taxi drivers here who do not use meters.

Regular passengers say some cabbies in the city deliberately block the meter by draping face towels, hanging calendars or even placing their call cards in front of it.

Commuters also expressed frustration that the cabbies would dictate prices due to the lack of enforcement by the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) and Road Transport Department (RTD).

Lawyer Norman Fernandez, who has been using taxis daily for more than 10 years to commute around town, said that almost all the taxis in Johor do not use the meter.

“They usually mark up the prices by RM2 to RM5 depending on the location. And if there is a public holiday in Singapore, the fares go up to take advantage of the tourists coming in,” he said.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/23/southneast/ms_pg03xpensive.jpg
Expensive trip: A woman getting into a taxi in Johor Baru.

Fernandez expressed his disappointment with the poor enforcement by CVLB which has an office in Muar only to cover the whole state, and RTD.

“I had lodged complaints in the past but nothing was done, and I did not even get a call to inform me that my complaints were being looked into,” he said.

Fernandez said that errant cabbies should be suspended and taken off the roads as they were cheating the public and tarnishing the country’s image.

Another taxi user, bank collection officer R. Padma, 26, said the fare hike would not make a difference as most of the taxis she boarded did not use the meter.

“I think the taxi fares in Johor Baru is more expensive than in Kuala Lumpur,” she said, adding that she had just moved here Baru from the country’s capital city about two weeks ago.

She noted that on the few occasions when meters were used, the fare would increase very quickly during the trip.

Singaporean Sokhbir Kaur, who visits Malaysia frequently said that most cab drivers did not use the meters and even had separate charges for foreigners.

“I had one driver who insisted that I could afford to pay him more because I was a Singaporean,” she said, adding that the problem would only become worse with the official price hike.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/23/southneast/ms_pg02meter.jpg
Too high: Most taxi drivers in Johor Baru do not use the meter.

Sokhbir added that the drivers would have another reason to further increase the taxi charges.

“Many of my friends also face the same problem, and I believe that many tourists will be deterred by the high charges,” she said.

For 16-year-old student Tay Jing Jing, the price hike was a tremendous financial burden, especially to students.

“I use taxis almost every day and have been dealing with many taxis that do not use meters.

“Most give excuses that the meters are old or are not in working condition, and charge us their own rates,” she said, adding that the price hike will only worsen the situation.

“Stringent rules should be applied by the authorities, and taxi drivers who do not adhere to the regulations should be heavily fined,” she said.


Bad for tourism: Singaporean Sokhbir Kaur says there is a different rate for foreigners.
Another regular cab user, Vijayal Govindasamy, 58, said taxi drivers here were getting bolder by charging exorbitant rates.

“It used to cost me RM4 to get to my house from Holiday Plaza which is about 3km away, but now these cabbies charge me over RM7 for the trip,” she said.

Medical student Hasinah Hani Mohamed, 23, said she hoped cabbies would start using the meters after the revision of the cab fare.

“The old rate might not have been fair to them,” she said, adding that she believed that was the reason why cabbies here were reluctant to use the meters.

She hoped that with the new rate, they would start using the meters.

Johor Taxi and Rental Car Association president Ang Giap Hock said the increase would help lighten taxi drivers’ burden.

He acknowledged that he had received many complaints on taxi drivers not using the meters.

He said many resorted to doing so because they could not cope with the rising price of fuel and other things.

“Many taxi drivers have been surviving on the same rates for so long and it is not fair that there has not been an increase in price for the past 12 years,” Ang said.

“We hope that in future the Government would re-evaluate the fares every two years, according to the economic growth,” he said, citing the example of the Singapore government’s re-evaluation practice.

Ang also commented that taxi drivers were generally happy with the recent price hike and had no reason to avoid using their meters now.

Academy For Public Transport Drivers In The Works
July 24, 2009 16:59 PM

KUCHING, July 24 (Bernama) -- The government is in the midst of outlining a new mechanism to improve the quality of public transportation in the country through the setting up of a special driving academy for drivers of public transport services, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Liew Vui Kiong said.

He said the plan to establish the academy was also in line with the government's aim to further develop the nation's public transportation industry, in addition to ensuring the safety of public transportation users.

"Work has started on the framework to set up a special driving academy to train public transportation drivers in the near future," he told reporters after closing Series 1/2009 of the Taxi Driver Excellence Course here, Friday.

He said right now, the government was studying and evaluating suitable content and period for the courses at the soon-to-be established academy.

Earlier, during his speech Liew said drivers of public transportation, particularly taxi drivers, need to possess good general knowledge especially on the latest developments in the country, aside from being able to communicate well with passengers.

-- BERNAMA

Source: TheStar
More > http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/8/3/central/4441209&sec=central

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/8/3/central/m_02hotspots.jpg

As far as I know, KL taxis though are not cheap but actually they are still better than those places like Melaka, Penang and Johor.

I heard Penang and Johor has been mentioned but it seems like people have forgotten Melaka as well. A simple taxi for a 4-5km route charges RM15 minimum.

Back in 2004...I had an experience where from MMU Melaka -> KL Sentral.. they charged RM15, it was abit expensive back then but what made it worst was, I asked the taxi made a 300m extra trip to fetch my friend from his apartment. The taxi said he would need to charge extra RM15 for that.

More over, the cab was without AIR-COND as well.

We need to ensure what the government proposed on the cabbies must be carried out nationwide. All cabbies in Malaysia must adhere to the regulations and not only certain states.

Cabbies charge ‘goodwill fees’
By M. BAVANI


KUALA LUMPUR: Cabbies here are imposing a 30% extra charge although their meters have not been calibrated for the new fares.

Calling it a “goodwill” fee, taximen said they should not be penalised and not be allowed to charge new fees just because meter calibration centres were not able to handle the influx of taxis needing to adjust their meters.

There are 30,000 taxis in the Klang Valley and there are only six calibration centres.

The Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board requires taxis to recalibrate their meters before they can charge new rates.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/8/3/nation/n_28meter.jpg
Ready for calibration: Taxis waiting for their turn to get the meters adjusted at one of the calibration centres at Jln Cochrane, KL. Many taximen have postponed the task due to long waiting time at the centres. Picture courtesy of reader Chong Mei San.

Checks yesterday showed that there were long queues at the calibration centres at Jalan Cochrane and Jalan Ipoh here, as well as at Jalan Glenmarie in Shah Alam.

Some taxis came as early as 8am but there were already long lines of taxis.

Many decided to postpone the task.

Meanwhile, the problem of taxi drivers refusing the use the meter still persisted despite the fare increase.

There were also taxi drivers who only wanted to serve customers going to where they were willing to go, turning away those whose destination did not suit their liking.

The new flagfall charge for taxis was RM3, up from RM2 previously with passengers charged 10 sen for every subsequent 115m.

For cabs caught in a traffic jam, the fare is RM3 for the first three minutes and 10 sen for every subsequent 21 seconds.

Some cabbies asking for goodwill fee
By BAVANI M.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/8/3/central/m_01taximeter.jpg
TAXI drivers in the Klang Valley who have yet to recalibrate their meters to accommodate the new fare system are asking passengers to pay the extra 30%. Calling it a “goodwill” fee, the taxi drivers claim that since the new rates have already come into effect, passengers should just close one eye and pay.

“It is not my fault that every time I go to the centre in Jalan Ipoh to recalibrate the meter, the queue is miles long.’’ said taxi driver Paul Lee.

“I just tell my custommers that I have yet to recalibrate my meter but that the fare is actually 30% more and can they please pay me an extra RM2 or RM3. Most of them have been understanding and have no problem paying extra,” Lee said.

Taxi driver Rahim Kechik, who also went to the centre in Taman Mastiara in Jalan Ipoh on Saturday, said that thousands of taxis were already lined up since 8am and that he could not afford to wait so long as there was a shortage of taxis in the city that day.

“I felt that I might as well earn some money ferrying people instead of just wasting my time,’’ the 55-year-old said. Rahim, however, said he would not charge the new rates as this would be illegal.

Thousands of taxis in the Klang Valley do not have calibrated meters yet and a check by StarMetro during the weekend found long queues at all the centres offering meter calibration services.

Taxi driver Ali said he went to a centre in Jalan Cochrane at 1am on Saturday and was shocked to find a long queue.

“It was just too long so I left. But I heard from a friend that drivers were still queuing up until 10am the next morning,’’ he said.

Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (CVLB) director Datin Naimah Ramli said that it would be illegal for taxis to charge new rates if their meters still show the old fare.

“This would also confuse passengers,’’ she added.

Naimah said that drivers must also issue receipts.

As for the taxi drivers not using the meters, Naimah said that enforcement officers had been despatched to various hot spots in the city to evaluate the situation.

The Government had recently raised taxi fares. The price increase took effect on Saturday. The new surcharge for taxis will be RM3, up from RM2, while passengers will be charged 10 sen for every subsequent 115m, instead of 150m previously.

For taxis caught in a traffic jam, the fare is RM3 for the first three minutes and 10 sen for every subsequent 21 seconds, instead of 45 seconds previously.

Taxi drivers are also unhappy over the high fee of RM70 fee to calibrate their meters and hope the amount would be reduced.

Klang Valley Taxi Owners Association president Abdul Jalil Maarof said that drivers must adhere to the rules and regulations.

“If they have not calibrated their meters, then they must use the old rates,” he said.

Abdul Jalil said he was aware that the centres offering calibration services were packed to the brim but that the situation could not be helped.

“They operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

“As for the fee, we can’t do anything as the outlets calibrating the meters claim that the suppliers are charging the fee,’’ he said.

Sunlight Radio Taxi Service Sdn Bhd executive director Choi Wei Yee, however, said that taxi drivers should not be penalised for charging the new rates despite not calibrating their meters.

“They have waited a long time for this and perhaps the authorities can be be a little lenient,’’ said Choi.

Taxi drivers dictate terms and conditions


ON Saturday, taxi drivers in the Klang Valley started charging the new rates as set by the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board in the Prime Minister’s Department. The price increase was necessary to enable the group to earn a decent living in light of the current economic situation. StarMetro reporters went undercover to several hot spots in the Klang Valley to see the situation for themselves and found that 90% in the city still refuse to use the meter. Below are the reporters findings.

Case 1: Suria KLCC

I STARTED my day posing as an Indian tourist wearing a bright Punjabi suit and with a typical Indian accent. I walked up to a Chinese taxi driver at Suria KLCC. His name was Chai.

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Making it clear: Taxi drivers at Plaza Bukit Bintang quoting their rates to ferry passengers to Suria KLCC.

He asked for RM15 to take me to Petaling Street which is only a stone’s throw away and quoted RM25 to go to Batu Caves. I was not surprised, in fact, I was expecting it. I agreed. It was obvious that the taxis here do not use meters. Chai told me that times were hard and with the escalating cost of living and higher operating and maintenance costs, taxi drivers had no choice but to fleece passengers like me (foreigners). He was nonetheless polite and respectful. A perfect gentleman I would say, except for the fact that he refused to use the meter. Despite a clear sign at the entrance of KLCC warning tourists of touts, the taxi drivers still come around without fear. - By PRIYA MENON
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Case 2: BUKIT BINTANG

I WAS charged RM20 from BB Plaza to get to Suria KLCC. I was posing as an Arab tourist and braced myself for anything. I enquired if the destination was far and the taxi driver said yes. He even went on to say that it was the weekend and that there was heavy traffic. The drive however, took less than 10 minutes. During the drive, I asked about the use of meter and the taxi driver explained that this was the way they ran the business. “Everywhere you go, they usually charge without using meters. Besides, it is the weekend and the rates are different,” he said.

I went on to ask him about tourist sites and he told me about places like Batu Caves and the fireflies in Kuala Selangor. The driver said that it would cost RM60 to go to Batu Caves from Bukit Bintang. On my way back, I took off my disguise and hailed a cab from Suria KLCC to go to Petaling Street. This time, surprisingly, the driver used the meter.


When I reached my destination, he charged me an extra RM3, saying that the Government had increased the fare recently and even though he had not calibrated his meter, he had the right to ask for extra. I paid him. The driver, who only identified himself as Wong, said that he is a law abiding citizen and always uses the meter.

“I am not here to cheat people but I had no time to calibrate my meter because of the long queue at the centres,’’ Wong said. - By FAZLEENA AZIZ

Case 3: Jalan P. Ramlee

IT is a normal sight to see taxi drivers parking their vehicles besides Beach Club at Jalan P. Ramlee, KL and approaching clubbers to ask them if they wanted a taxi. This is my personal experience and I was apppoached by a driver at 10pm outside the Beach Club, claiming that he could take me to a place more happening than Beach Club. When I asked where this place was, he refused to tell me, saying that it was a surprise. I then asked him how much it would cost to get from Jalan P. Ramlee to KL Sentral and the driver told me it would cost between RM20 and RM30.

This is ridiculous as the surcharge was 100% more even at 10pm. According to CVLB guidelines, taxi drivers are allowed to charge 50% extra only after midnight. When I asked him whether he could use the taxi meter, he said no. I spoke to a few people working in the area and was told that taxi touts often ripped off tourists visiting the clubs there. It so happened that when I was there, a patrol car passed by with its siren blazing. The taxi drivers bolted away only to return within 15 minutes. - By STUART MICHAEL

Case 4: Subang Jaya

WHEN I approached the taxis at the corner of the SS15 commercial area, a few drivers quoted a flat rate of RM8 for a ride to Sunway Pyramid that takes about five minutes when traffic is not heavy. Despite haggling with them, the drivers refused to lower their fee and when asked why, they said that they used a coupon system. I knew there was no such thing. It is common knowledge that people familiar with the area know it is expensive to take a taxi from the corner of SS15/8 in Subang Jaya but some do so when no other option is available.

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Busy place: A StarMetro reporter talking to a taxi driver outside KLCC along Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

Azizah Mohd Ithnin, 37, is one such person. She used to drive herself until about four years ago.

“Parking is really difficult in SS15 so I use public transport these days. About three times a week I go to Petaling Jaya and the fastest way is to take a taxi and use the highway,” Azizah said.

According to her, it would cost her RM8, inclusive of toll, to get to work. But the taxis waiting at the corner quote a flat rate of RM10 to RM15.

Student Tee W.L, 18, said that he was quoted a flat rate of RM15 to go to USJ4. It normally costs only RM6.

Indian national Eswaoarao said that he was charged RM20 to go to Bandar Puteri in Puchong, a 15-minute journey. - By CHOONG MEK ZHIN

Case 5: Puchong

I WENT to the bus and taxi stand in front of IOI Mall at 11am and attempted to take a taxi to Summit USJ. Most of the people at the stand were waiting for the bus. The first taxi driver I approached has yet to install a new meter. However, he said that it would normally cost about RM10 but with the new meter, it would cost about RM15, including toll fares.

A second driver asked me how much I was willing to pay.

“It would cost about RM6 if I use the meter but could you pay a little extra, about RM2?” he asked.

I also saw a man haggling over the fares but in the end he got into a bus that had just arrived.

I befriended Raja Lethumi, who was waiting for a bus as well. She said that she did not mind the price increase as long as taxi drivers use the meters.

I also spotted a group of teenagers who wanted to go to Sunway Pyramid. The driver quoted RM15. They finally found someone who agreed to take them for RM12.

David Tan, a resident of Puchong said he was unaware of the priceincrease but that taxis here did not use the meter and as such, it made no difference at all.

I than decided to head to Bukit Jalil next but was shocked that the price was a whopping RM20. After waiting a while, a driver pulled up and offered to send me, using the metered rate.

However, he said he has yet to switch to the new meter and explained about the increase in taxi fare.

When we reached Bukit Jalil, the meter showed RM13.40, which is about 40% cheaper than the fare offered by the previous taxi driver who refused to use a meter. What a big difference that is. - By OH ING YEEN

Tambang baru teksi hanya selepas skala meter dibetulkan
03/08/2009 9:12pm

MELAKA 3 Ogos - Pemandu teksi diberi amaran supaya tidak mengenakan kadar tambang baru yang berkuatkuasa Sabtu lepas sehingga mereka selesai membetulkan skala meter baru.

Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz berkata, pemandu teksi diberi tempoh sehingga 31 Disember ini untuk membetulkan meter mereka.

“Orang ramai pula diminta membuat aduan kepada kami mengenai pemandu yang mengenakan kadar tambang baru tetapi menggunakan meter lama,” katanya kepada pemberita selepas menyampaikan 304 Surat Tawaran Kelulusan (STK) Lesen Kereta Sewa dan Teksi Individu peringkat negeri Melaka di sini hari ini. - Bernama

taxies.. mmmmm never ending story:ohno:

What should we do if the taxi fellow charging the "goodwill fares" but refuse to give receipt?

Nazri: Don’t charge extra


MALACCA: Cabbies who have yet to calibrate their taxi meters should not impose the 30% extra charge on their customers, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said.

He said the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) is giving cabbies until the end of the year to calibrate their meters.

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Well done: Nazri presenting an approval letter to one of the hired car owners here yesterday while Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board president Datuk Halimah Mohd Sadique (left) and state Transportation, Information and Consumer Committee chairman R. Perumal (right) look on.

“We will not compromise on this. We will not revoke their licences but will issue warning notices or fine them if they are caught imposing extra charges before calibrating their meters,” he told reporters after presenting the offer letters to 303 taxi drivers and hired car owners here yesterday.

He dismissed claims by some taxi drivers that there were not enough calibration centres in the Klang Valley.

“As of Sunday, we have already calibrated 3,863 meters and the number of meters to be calibrated throughout Peninsular Malaysia is 29,457,” he said, adding that there some taxi drivers waiting until the last minute to calibrate their meters.

He called on members of the public who are charged extra by non-calibrated taxis to report to the authorities.

The CVLB received 7,586 taxi and hired cars permit applications between July 15 and Oct 14 last year, of which some 4,000 licences have been given out.

At a separate function, Nazri said the proposed amendment to the bankruptcy laws to improve the management of bankrupts while giving better protection to creditors of companies which have gone bust would be tabled in Parliament by the end of the year.

“I have requested the Insolvency Depart-ment to review the Bankruptcy Act and it has agreed to do so. The changes will ensure that the bankruptcy laws are keeping with the changing times,” he told reporters after opening the Insolvency Department’s Senior Officers Convention.

One of the changes, he said, would involve speeding up the liquidation and winding-up processes to protect affected creditors.

The department had managed 64,072 bankruptcy cases from January 2005 to June this year, of which 7,521 were recorded for the first six months of this year.

Miscellaneous loan defaulters accounted for the highest number of bankrupts with 20,795 cases out of 64,072, Nazri said, adding that vehicle hire-purchase defaulters were the second highest with 15,176 cases.

Some 3,767 credit card holders were made bankrupts while 138 other cases involved those who had failed to repay their study loans.

From January 2005 to June this year, Nazri said that 18,422 companies had come under liquidation via the courts while 7,368 companies had opted for voluntary liquidation.

Cab drivers with old meters cannot charge new rates


KUALA LUMPUR: Taxi drivers who have yet to fix new meters cannot charge the new increased rates.

If they do, it will be deemed as overcharging and the guilty taxi drivers will be fined RM300 for the first offence, have their licence suspended for the second offence and their licence revoked for the third offence.

Transport Ministry Director-General Datuk Solah Hassan said those who had yet to fix new meters could only charge the old rates according to the old meters.

He urged taxi drivers to be honest and overcharged consumers to lodge complaints.

All taxi meters to be recalibrated by month’s end


PUTRAJAYA: All the 20,733 taxis nationwide will have their meters adjusted by the end of this month, said Road Transport Department director-general Datuk Solah Hassan.

He urged taxi drivers who had yet to re-calibrate their meters to be honest, and also called on passengers to lodge complaints to the department and the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board if they were dissatisfied with the charges.

Passengers should insist on getting receipts and if the cabbies refused, to make a report listing down the details such as the location; time and drivers’ identity card number on the left hand side of the dashboard.

From Aug 1 to Aug 3, 1,850 taxis had calibrated their meters.

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Fine-tuning: Demega Electronic & Enginering Sdn Bhd mechanic Ho Chin Leong (right) adjusting the meter for taxi driver M. Chandaran Muthu at Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, Tuesday

Solah said cabbies who overcharged would be fined RM300 for the first offence; and their licences suspended and revoked for the second and third offences respectively under the Motor Vehicle (Taxi Meter) Rules 1959.

“New fares can only be imposed after meters have been recalibrated. Cab drivers who haven’t adjusted their meters cannot ask for extra fee,” he said in response to The Star’s check on cabbies in the Klang Valley, who were imposing 30% extra fare although their meters had not been recalibrated.

However, cabbies said they should not be penalised as the calibration centres were not able to handle the large number of taxis that need to adjust their meters.

Effective Aug 1, taxi fares would start at RM3 instead of the previous flag-off rate of RM2, and subsequently, 10 sen for each 115 metre instead from 150 metre before.

During traffic jams, it will be 10 sen for every 21 seconds instead of 45 seconds previously.

“The exercise will take at least one month from Aug 1. During the interim period, cab drivers should not be overcharging and cheating,” Solah said.

Those who wish to lodge a complaint against errant cabbies can contact the department’s hotline at 03-88866412.

Pemandu teksi terseksa - Terpaksa beratur berjam-jam selaras meter

Oleh MAZLINA ABDUL MAJID
mazlina@kosmo.com.my


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PARA pemandu teksi berbual-bual sementara menunggu giliran di Puspakom Desa Tun Razak, Cheras semalam.

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KUALA LUMPUR - Pengumuman kadar baru tambang teksi baru-baru ini membuatkan semua pemandu teksi tersenyum lebar dan menarik nafas lega.

Namun itu semua tidak bertahan lama kerana selepas 'bertarung' berjam-jam untuk melaraskan meter di syarikat pembekal meter, kini pemandu teksi berdepan pula dengan kesesakan di beberapa cawangan Pusat Pemeriksaan Kenderaan Berkomputer (Puspakom) untuk mendapatkan kelulusan meter.

Meskipun Puspakom dalam kenyataan baru-baru ini memaklumkan kapasiti pemeriksaan harian mampu menampung 1,200 buah teksi tetapi itu tidak berlaku.

Kosmo! dimaklumkan oleh pemandu teksi yang menunggu giliran, Puspakom Cheras hanya membuka operasi pemeriksaan meter selama tiga jam dan menetapkan 40 buah teksi untuk diperiksa.

Ekoran keputusan itu, Puspakom dibanjiri ratusan teksi untuk mendapatkan giliran seawal pukul 6.30 pagi sedangkan pemeriksaan hanya bermula pada pukul 6 petang dan berakhir pada pukul 9 malam.

Selesa bersama teksi biru
3 September 2009 Oleh AQMAR ALLADAD

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MUNGKIN sebelum ini kita jarang atau langsung tidak pernah mendengar ruangan blog yang menyediakan segala maklumat mengenai kemudahan perkhidmatan teksi ke seluruh Semenanjung Malaysia.

Mungkin juga ada antara kita yang takut untuk memilih menggunakan perkhidmatan teksi kerana sering berfikiran negatif terhadap perkhidmatan itu.

Menyedari hakikat itu, KL Executive Taxi Services (KLETS) mengambil inisiatif menubuhkan laman web yang bukan sahaja menyediakan informasi tentang teksi eksekutif bahkan menjadi medium penghubung pemandu teksi berkenaan dengan masyarakat.

Malah, disebabkan Kuala Lumpur sering menerima kunjungan para pelancong terutamanya pelancong asing dari seluruh pelosok dunia, lalu blog yang diberikan nama http://klexecutivetaxi.blogspot.com/ pastinya mempunyai signifikannya.

Perunding KL Executive Taxi Services (KLETS), Mohamad Rejab memberitahu, blog yang baru sahaja berusia tiga bulan itu sememangnya banyak membantu para pemandu teksi kelas eksekutif untuk mendapat pelanggan.

"Ini merupakan inisiatif saya sendiri untuk memiliki blog bagi membantu saya dan rakan-rakan lain mendapatkan pelanggan.

"Lagipun dengan adanya blog boleh dikatakan kami kerap menerima panggilan untuk tempahan," katanya ketika ditemui Infiniti baru-baru ini.

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LAMAN blog ini memaparkan segala kemudahan
yang disediakan oleh KL Executive Taxi Services.

Keselesaan

Menceritakan kelebihan utama perkhidmatan teksi eksekutif itu berbanding teksi biasa Mohamad menjelaskan, keselesaan merupakan faktor utama orang ramai dan pelancong untuk memilih perkhidmatan teksi berwarna biru itu.

Keselesaannya dinilai dari segi keluasan tempat duduk, jarak kaki di antara penumpang, tempat penyimpanan barang dan pendingin hawa yang baik. Berkuasa 2000cc, ia membuatkan perjalanan bergerak lancar.

Lebih menarik lagi, faktor keselamatan turut dititikberatkan dan setiap penumpang diberikan insurans nyawa.

"Kebiasannya hanya pemandu sahaja mempunyai insurans tetapi sekiranya anda memilih perkhidmatan ini, keselamatan penumpang turut terjamin. Setiap penumpang diberikan insurans nyawa.

"Ini kerana kadangkala penumpang bukan sahaja memilih teksi kami di sekitar ibu negara sahaja malah turut digunakan bagi menuju ke destinasi luar yang lain," terangnya.

Sebelum tertubuhnya blog itu, pelbagai halangan dan cabaran terpaksa diharungi. Namun, demi maruah dan punca rezeki, mereka sanggup menghadapinya dengan sabar sehingga berjaya.

Pada awalnya, Mohamad bersama lima rakannya yang lain telah bertungkus-lumus menyiapkan kertas kerja dan menyediakan pelbagai dokumen penting bagi memastikan permohonan itu mendapat kelulusan.

Antaranya daripada Lembaga Perlesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan Semenanjung Malaysia mengenai perancangan penubuhannya.

Kelulusan

Berkat kesabaran beliau, akhirnya segala penat lelah dan usaha telah mendapat kelulusan daripada pihak berkenaan.

Di samping itu, teksi eksekutif menyediakan kenderaan yang mampu memuatkan seramai empat sehingga tujuh orang penumpang.

Dipilih berdasarkan permintaan dan jumlah penumpang, jenama kereta yang digunakan sebagai teksi eksekutif ialah Naza Ria 2.5, Naza Citra 2.0, Nissan Serena 2.0, Toyota Innova 2.0 dan Hyundai Starex 2.5.

Jelas Mohamad, laman blog yang disediakan itu sentiasa dikemas kini terutama dari segi kadar bayaran dan lokasi perjalanan memandangkan blog terbabit sering dikunjungi oleh pelancong asing yang mahukan maklumat tepat.

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MOHAMAD sering menerima tempahan daripada pelancong asing.

Menyentuh tambang yang dikenakan, rata-rata pengguna tidak pernah mempersoalkannya. Ini kerana kebanyakan mereka merasakan tambang tersebut begitu berbaloi dengan perkhidmatan yang diberikan.

Kadar tambang

Sebelum menerima sebarang tempahan, Mohamad terlebih dahulu akan menerangkan kadar teksi tersebut supaya tidak berlaku sebarang perselisihan faham.

Ini kerana teksi eksekutif memulakan caj tambang sebanyak RM6 diikuti pula 20 sen bagi setiap 100 kilometer (km).

"Tambang yang dikenakan itu termasuklah caj bagi tol, minyak, tempat letak kereta, insurans pemandu dan penumpang," ulasnya.

Bagaimanapun, anda tidak akan mendapat perkhidmatan tersebut sekiranya hanya menunggu di tepi jalan seperti teksi biasa yang dapat dilihat di atas jalan raya.

Teksi eksekutif hanya boleh didapati di sekitar Hotel Pacific Regency, Jalan P.Ramlee dan Hotel Suites iaitu berhadapan Menara Kuala Lumpur.

"Kita bakal mempunyai sebuah lagi perhentian teksi pada bulan hadapan iaitu berdekatan Seri Pacific Hotel. Bagi memudahkan lagi perjalanan, penumpang boleh menghubungi talian 012- 2517 515 yang beroperasi 24 jam.

"Namun, harus diingatkan tempahan perlu dilakukan sejam sebelum waktu perjalanan dan mereka boleh memilih jenis kenderaan yang diperlukan," katanya.

Be ready to pay, say cabbies
By BAVANI M


IF YOU need a taxi during peak hours or have to go to an area with heavy traffic, be prepared to pay, cabbies are warning regular passengers in the Klang Valley.

The new taxi pricing structure announced by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz that came into force on Aug 1 along with other fare increases, may have put smiles on the faces of taxi drivers but has made regular taxi users unhappy.

The new rates, especially during peak hours, certainly gives cabbies a bonus for picking up passengers.

However, the situation may also have created the scenario whereby taxi drivers avoid using non-congested roads or picking passengers during non-peak hours.

A clear example was recently seen at the taxi queue in Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur. Commuters who had been queuing up for long hours at the taxi stand had called StarMetro to complain that most of the drivers had refused to take them to their destination, and were instead making a beeline to areas like Bukit Bintang and KLCC.

But, what is really hurting commuters most is the congestion rates that the ministry had introduced, which are likening to daylight robbery.

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Easy does it: A technician recalibrating the meter on a taxi.

According to the new rates, for taxis caught in a traffic jam, the fare is RM3 for the first three minutes, and jumps 10 sen for every subsequent 21 seconds, instead of the 45 seconds previously.

Passengers say that the new congestion rate is simply too high and is creating a situation whereby taxi drivers only want to work during peak periods.

“It’s like they (cabbies) are suffering from a ‘non-peak hour syndrome’,” IT executive Mary Gomez said.

“Before the price hike, it was impossible to get a taxi during peak hours, especially when it was raining. Even the taxis using the coupon system refused to take passengers. But now, they are so efficient because they can make double, sometimes even triple the fare, if they are stuck in a jam,” Gomez added.

Regular taxi users also say taxi drivers are no longer avoiding congested roads like before, and that some are actually using the jam-packed roads because they tend to make more money now.

One reader complained that when he took a taxi recently, the driver had used the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP) instead of the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) which was longer, but less congested.

While most city taxi drivers are laughing all the way to the bank, there are those who do feel sorry for regular passengers.

“The rates during congestion are definitely a killer,” said driver Peter Lai.

“I usually warn my customers beforehand that the meter would jump every 21 seconds when a taxi is stuck in a jam. It applies when the taxi stops at traffic lights, too,” Lai said.

Lai related the story of his friend, who took a customer from the Bukit OUG condominium in Jalan Kelang Lama to Mid Valley when the Movement to Abolish the ISA (GMI) rally took place two weeks ago.

“He was caught in bumper-to-bumper traffic all the way and the meter registered a whopping RM45 when he reached Mid Valley,” he said.

Mass-Transit in Klang Valley (Transit) adviser Moaz Yusof Ahmad said he was not surprised to hear that cabbies were taking passengers through more congested routes.

“It’s what people would do if they could get away with it. The onus is on the passenger to insist on the route they want to take,” he said.

Moaz stressed that passengers must also lodge complaints with the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (CVLB) if they had complaints on the service.

Sunlight Radio Taxi Service Sdn Bhd – the largest taxi company in the Klang Valley, with its cabs making up 60% of the total number on the road – said they did not see it as a problem.

“We have not received any complaints so far that our taxis are avoiding non-congested roads. In fact, there has not been any complaints even of high fees being charged,” said its discipline officer, Alina Juliana Mohamad.

“The meters we use are of the latest technology from Japan and there is no way it can be wrong,” she said.

“If the drivers refuse to use the meter or are choosy about their destination, then it’s another matter. Just give us their taxi number plate and we’ll know what to do,” she said.

A check with several taxi passengers in KL Sentral and Bukit Bintang revealed that most were agreeable to the new surcharge rate of RM3, up from RM2 previously, as well as the fact that passengers would be charged 10 sen for every subsequent 115m, instead of 150m previously.

Those who have complaints about errant taxi drivers can write in to the CVLB, Prime Minister’s Department, No. 18, Persiaran Perdana Aras 4, Blok Podium, Presint 2, 62652 Putrajaya, or lodge the complaints at www.lpkp.gov.my.


Punish errant cabbies


I REFER to your report on “Be ready to pay, say cabbies” (StarMetro, Aug 11). I’m a Singaporean. I would like to share my encounters with taxis in Kuala Lumpur.

I write this letter with all good intentions, as I am half Malaysian.

On my last three visits here, I had problems getting taxis using the meter.

I had to flag down three to four taxis before I got one willing to use the meter.

And this I had to repeat for the total of eight to 10 taxis I would use over the course of a three-day visit.

However, I do feel the fare is way too low, and can’t help but think that perhaps it is justified for the taxi drivers to ask for more. So I tipped those who used meters.

On my third visit, I got angry because there was a row of 10 taxis in front of the hotel I was staying in and none agreed to use the meter for my trip to KLCC.

We all need to work together -- visitors, hotel staff, taxi drivers, taxi companies, and the Government to stop the errant practice of not using meters.

The governing bodies should engage mystery riders to catch errant taxi drivers and issue summonses on the spot after reaching the destination.

Hotel staff should educate their customers to pay taxis using the meters, and chase away errant taxis stopping in front of their hotels.

Taxi companies should send stern warning to all the drivers.

Taxi drivers should abide by the practice of using meters. And perhaps, the CVLB website can offer an English option, because errant taxi drivers are likely to target tourists more than locals.

Perhaps, a multi-party (Government, hotels, taxi companies and commuters) task force can be put in place to reward drivers who use meters, and punish those who don’t.

Kuala Lumpur has become a megacity and progressed rapidly to become one of the choice destinations for both leisure and business. Sadly, the taxi industry has remained stagnant and continues to uses tactics like Third World taxi drivers.

There’s quite a bit of catching up, and by that, I mean catch them!

PHILIP WONG,

Singapore.



Act fast against errant cabbies


I REFER to a letter by a Singaporean in “Punish errant cabbies” (StarMetro, Aug 18).

I am flabbergasted that there are so many complaints about our taximen yet the authorities have remained a silent lot.

Is it our “tidak apa” syndrome?

We should act on these errant men and with speed, as it involves the image of our nation.

Some weeks ago, another foreigner had also related his horror story in The Star letters page concerning our cabbies.

In the end nothing came of it, the authorities were silent again.

Let us upgrade our taxi service and make the cab drivers friendly and responsible.

Bulbir Singh

Seremban.

Puspakom To Complete Inspection Of Taxi Meters Ahead Of Schedule
September 11, 2009 22:05 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 Sept (Bernama) -- Puspakom, the computerized vehicle inspection centre, is confident it will be able to complete inspection of taxi meters three months ahead of the January 1, 2010 deadline.

Its Chief Operations Officer, Raja Mahmud Al Haj Raja Dato Ibrahim, said as at Aug 1,2009 Puspakom had inspected 82 per cent or 22,450 taxi meters.

Taxis which modified their meters were allowed to charge extra fare effective from that date.

Puspakom said in a statement that inspection of taxi meters were being carried out at all branches except in Sabah, Sarawak and Pulau Pinang.

"Inspection of taxi meters in Negeri Sembilan has been completed while the remainder of the taxis in the Klang Valley and Johor will be inspected before October 2009.

"Infact, we can complete the entire inspection within 10 days if the taxis owners bring in their vehicles to Puspakom's branches in the Klang Valley and Johor Bharu," he added.

Raja Mahmud said Puspakom only charged RM10 to inspect a taxi meter and operated its centers daily and, during the fasting months, between 8am and 9pm, and up to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays, to speed up the inspection exercise.

He explained that all Puspakom centres in the Klang Valley were well equipped to carry out the inspection.

Teksi KL Sentral cekik darah
Oleh Siti Haliza Yusop

Perkhidmatan berkupon tolak permintaan penumpang

BRICKFIELDS: Pengguna yang menggunakan perkhidmatan teksi berkupon kecewa dengan sikap pemandu teksi tertentu di KL Sentral yang gemar menolak permintaan penumpang berikutan destinasi mahu dituju tidak memenuhi ‘kehendak’ mereka.

Mereka berpendapat pemandu teksi di bandar raya ini tidak sepatutnya menolak permintaan penumpang yang meminta untuk dihantar ke destinasi tertentu dengan alasan tidak mahu menempuh kesesakan jalan raya, terutama apabila pengguna sudah mendapatkan kupon bagi menggunakan perkhidmatan itu.

Seorang pemandu teksi yang tidak mahu dikenali turut mengakui, wujud sesetengah pemandu teksi yang enggan membawa penumpang berkupon ke destinasi tertentu.

“Bukan setakat tidak mahu mengambil penumpang berkupon, malah mereka juga mahu kiraan meter digunakan kerana berpendapat cara itu lebih menguntungkan, apatah lagi menjelang waktu puncak dari jam 5 hingga 7 petang yang menyaksikan hampir setiap jalan di ibu kota mengalami kesesakan teruk.

“Bukan setakat pelanggan yang merungut, malah kami juga turut tidak berpuas hati. Pada saya, jika mereka tidak mahu menggunakan perkhidmatan berkupon, pemandu teksi ini tidak sepatutnya menunggu penumpang di KL Sentral. Bagaimanapun, walau sudah ditegur, masih ada yang ingkar hingga menyebabkan pergaduhan tercetus.” katanya.

Katanya, permasalahan itu hanya dapat diselesaikan jika Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP) membuat pemantauan secara kerap di kawasan berkenaan.

Perkara itu turut dipersetujui seorang pelajar, Sam Liew yang mempunyai pengalaman buruk selepas mendapatkan perkhidmatan teksi.

“Bukan setakat tidak mahu mengambil penumpang berkupon, malah yang mengecewakan apabila mereka meminta tambang tambahan sebaik tiba ke destinasi. Kadangkala saya malas mahu bertikam lidah jadi terpaksalah memberikan jumlah diminta walaupun geram sebenarnya dengan tindakan itu.

“Sebagai pengguna, kadangkala timbul perasaan serik. Bagaimanapun, perkhidmatan teksi ini memang diperlukan. Oleh itu, saya berharap mereka memberi perkhidmatan yang baik, apatah lagi kerajaan juga turut menaikkan tambang teksi baru-baru ini.” katanya yang mengakui tidak semua pemandu teksi bersikap pentingkan diri.

Bagi pelajar, Hafifah Abdul Latif, tindakan sesetengah pemandu teksi itu boleh menimbulkan rasa marah penumpang, sekali gus memburukkan persepsi masyarakat terhadap perkhidmatan itu walaupun hanya segelintir saja yang terbabit.

“Kebanyakan warga asing akan tiba di KL Sentral terlebih dulu sebelum ke tempat lain dan jika mereka menerima layanan begini dari pemandu teksi Malaysia, saya khuatir ia akan menjadi lawatan pertama dan terakhir mereka ke sini.” katanya.

NEW Proton Taxi!
Proton Saga RED Concept by Proton Design
At KL Convention Centre
From paultan.org

http://img29.picoodle.com/img/img29/3/10/30/f_06m_456ba02.jpg

http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/3/10/30/f_01m_f389cac.jpg

http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/3/10/30/f_02m_c2a2ede.jpg

http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/3/10/30/f_03m_ed7c2db.jpg

http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/3/10/30/f_04m_ea0c813.jpg

http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/3/10/30/f_05m_a920645.jpg

New Proton Saga Taxi @ Penang
From flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2553/4099666944_7719742bca_b.jpg

isn't it nice if we have vintage style taxi...? ;)

taxi can be an icon for a city. and our taxi is definitely can't. not only design is too streotype, and the color is HK-like, even the service is not something we can proud of.

Kolkata (Calcutta)

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_sw7yqRJHJ6M/Rh4u-IypJMI/AAAAAAAAAS4/pWnv4CzfszE/IMG_0475+(Small).JPG

London

http://londontravelogue.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/black-cab-in-london.jpg

Havana

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/10919106.jpg

isn't it nice if we have vintage style taxi...? ;)

taxi can be an icon for a city. and our taxi is definitely can't. not only design is too streotype, and the color is HK-like, even the service is not something we can proud of.

Kolkata (Calcutta)

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_sw7yqRJHJ6M/Rh4u-IypJMI/AAAAAAAAAS4/pWnv4CzfszE/IMG_0475+(Small).JPG

London

http://londontravelogue.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/black-cab-in-london.jpg

Havana

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/10919106.jpgIt's a nice thought...but actually the taxis in Havana and Calcutta are vintage because that is all that many drivers can afford.

While the London LTI (http://www.lti.co.uk/home.php) Taxis look 'vintage' but they are quite modern.

http://images.paultan.org/images2/Perodua-MPV-Rendering-1.jpg

m thinks that this new Perodua MPV (think of a MyVi with a longer wheelbase) would be the perfect taxi for Malaysian cities....but it's not as nice looking as a vintage taxi, for sure.

Cheers, m

Selesa bersama teksi biru
3 September 2009 Oleh AQMAR ALLADAD

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0902/Kosmo/Infiniti/in_01.1.jpg

MUNGKIN sebelum ini kita jarang atau langsung tidak pernah mendengar ruangan blog yang menyediakan segala maklumat mengenai kemudahan perkhidmatan teksi ke seluruh Semenanjung Malaysia.

Mungkin juga ada antara kita yang takut untuk memilih menggunakan perkhidmatan teksi kerana sering berfikiran negatif terhadap perkhidmatan itu.

Menyedari hakikat itu, KL Executive Taxi Services (KLETS) mengambil inisiatif menubuhkan laman web yang bukan sahaja menyediakan informasi tentang teksi eksekutif bahkan menjadi medium penghubung pemandu teksi berkenaan dengan masyarakat.

Malah, disebabkan Kuala Lumpur sering menerima kunjungan para pelancong terutamanya pelancong asing dari seluruh pelosok dunia, lalu blog yang diberikan nama http://klexecutivetaxi.blogspot.com/ pastinya mempunyai signifikannya.

Perunding KL Executive Taxi Services (KLETS), Mohamad Rejab memberitahu, blog yang baru sahaja berusia tiga bulan itu sememangnya banyak membantu para pemandu teksi kelas eksekutif untuk mendapat pelanggan.

"Ini merupakan inisiatif saya sendiri untuk memiliki blog bagi membantu saya dan rakan-rakan lain mendapatkan pelanggan.

"Lagipun dengan adanya blog boleh dikatakan kami kerap menerima panggilan untuk tempahan," katanya ketika ditemui Infiniti baru-baru ini.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0902/Kosmo/Infiniti/in_01.2.jpg

LAMAN blog ini memaparkan segala kemudahan
yang disediakan oleh KL Executive Taxi Services.

Keselesaan

Menceritakan kelebihan utama perkhidmatan teksi eksekutif itu berbanding teksi biasa Mohamad menjelaskan, keselesaan merupakan faktor utama orang ramai dan pelancong untuk memilih perkhidmatan teksi berwarna biru itu.

Keselesaannya dinilai dari segi keluasan tempat duduk, jarak kaki di antara penumpang, tempat penyimpanan barang dan pendingin hawa yang baik. Berkuasa 2000cc, ia membuatkan perjalanan bergerak lancar.

Lebih menarik lagi, faktor keselamatan turut dititikberatkan dan setiap penumpang diberikan insurans nyawa.

"Kebiasannya hanya pemandu sahaja mempunyai insurans tetapi sekiranya anda memilih perkhidmatan ini, keselamatan penumpang turut terjamin. Setiap penumpang diberikan insurans nyawa.

"Ini kerana kadangkala penumpang bukan sahaja memilih teksi kami di sekitar ibu negara sahaja malah turut digunakan bagi menuju ke destinasi luar yang lain," terangnya.

Sebelum tertubuhnya blog itu, pelbagai halangan dan cabaran terpaksa diharungi. Namun, demi maruah dan punca rezeki, mereka sanggup menghadapinya dengan sabar sehingga berjaya.

Pada awalnya, Mohamad bersama lima rakannya yang lain telah bertungkus-lumus menyiapkan kertas kerja dan menyediakan pelbagai dokumen penting bagi memastikan permohonan itu mendapat kelulusan.

Antaranya daripada Lembaga Perlesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan Semenanjung Malaysia mengenai perancangan penubuhannya.

Kelulusan

Berkat kesabaran beliau, akhirnya segala penat lelah dan usaha telah mendapat kelulusan daripada pihak berkenaan.

Di samping itu, teksi eksekutif menyediakan kenderaan yang mampu memuatkan seramai empat sehingga tujuh orang penumpang.

Dipilih berdasarkan permintaan dan jumlah penumpang, jenama kereta yang digunakan sebagai teksi eksekutif ialah Naza Ria 2.5, Naza Citra 2.0, Nissan Serena 2.0, Toyota Innova 2.0 dan Hyundai Starex 2.5.

Jelas Mohamad, laman blog yang disediakan itu sentiasa dikemas kini terutama dari segi kadar bayaran dan lokasi perjalanan memandangkan blog terbabit sering dikunjungi oleh pelancong asing yang mahukan maklumat tepat.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0902/Kosmo/Infiniti/in_01.3.jpg

MOHAMAD sering menerima tempahan daripada pelancong asing.

Menyentuh tambang yang dikenakan, rata-rata pengguna tidak pernah mempersoalkannya. Ini kerana kebanyakan mereka merasakan tambang tersebut begitu berbaloi dengan perkhidmatan yang diberikan.

Kadar tambang

Sebelum menerima sebarang tempahan, Mohamad terlebih dahulu akan menerangkan kadar teksi tersebut supaya tidak berlaku sebarang perselisihan faham.

Ini kerana teksi eksekutif memulakan caj tambang sebanyak RM6 diikuti pula 20 sen bagi setiap 100 kilometer (km) .

"Tambang yang dikenakan itu termasuklah caj bagi tol, minyak, tempat letak kereta, insurans pemandu dan penumpang," ulasnya.

Bagaimanapun, anda tidak akan mendapat perkhidmatan tersebut sekiranya hanya menunggu di tepi jalan seperti teksi biasa yang dapat dilihat di atas jalan raya.

Teksi eksekutif hanya boleh didapati di sekitar Hotel Pacific Regency, Jalan P.Ramlee dan Hotel Suites iaitu berhadapan Menara Kuala Lumpur.

"Kita bakal mempunyai sebuah lagi perhentian teksi pada bulan hadapan iaitu berdekatan Seri Pacific Hotel. Bagi memudahkan lagi perjalanan, penumpang boleh menghubungi talian 012- 2517 515 yang beroperasi 24 jam.

"Namun, harus diingatkan tempahan perlu dilakukan sejam sebelum waktu perjalanan dan mereka boleh memilih jenis kenderaan yang diperlukan," katanya.

i know it too good to be true, 20 sen per 100 kilometer. i checked the website, it is actually 20 sen per 100meter.. very mahal lah like this..

i know it too good to be true, 20 sen per 100 kilometer. i checked the website, it is actually 20 sen per 100meter.. very mahal lah like this..

some people will pay for good service and ride...

malaysia taxi are charging very expensive because no matter how fierce they charge, they will still get license from gov....the liscense surprisingly not issued by minister of transportation, but something called "pengusahawan belia...":

some people will pay for good service and ride...

agree.

we got many options to move from point A to B. if expensive, take another option.

It's a nice thought...but actually the taxis in Havana and Calcutta are vintage because that is all that many drivers can afford.

While the London LTI (http://www.lti.co.uk/home.php) Taxis look 'vintage' but they are quite modern.

http://images.paultan.org/images2/Perodua-MPV-Rendering-1.jpg

m thinks that this new Perodua MPV (think of a MyVi with a longer wheelbase) would be the perfect taxi for Malaysian cities....but it's not as nice looking as a vintage taxi, for sure.

Cheers, m

taxi for me, (from my point of view) should not only comfort and able to take u to ur destination, as that is the common point of view of most passengers, but it should also be an icon or at least people knows a city from their taxi...

bangkok, eventho most taxis use Toyota Vios, to make theirs different....they paint it with fancy colors. and now, people getting to recognize bangkok by its colorful taxis.

this idea to have KL very own designed taxi once mooted by Dato' Noh Omar when he was the minister in-charge...

bangkok, eventho most taxis use Toyota Vios, to make theirs different....they paint it with fancy colors. and now, people getting to recognize bangkok by its colorful taxis.


Taxi in Bangkok bukan Toyota Vios lah bro...It's Toyota Corolla... is Bangkok’s all time favorite taxi :)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/Bangkok_Toyota_Corolla_taxi.JPG/800px-Bangkok_Toyota_Corolla_taxi.JPG

my bad sorry. toyota corolla. yes.

taxi for me, (from my point of view) should not only comfort and able to take u to ur destination, as that is the common point of view of most passengers, but it should also be an icon or at least people knows a city from their taxi...

this idea to have KL very own designed taxi once mooted by Dato' Noh Omar when he was the minister in-charge...a few other people too, including those from Proton. They recognize that if they lose the market for taxi fleets, they are done for.

I was at a session with taxi drivers and many were saying that they would like a smaller wheelbase, stripped-down version of the Exora instead of the Iswara/Saga terrors that they have to drive now.

I really feel sorry for any driver/passenger of a taxi that is Iswara/Saga/Wira...those cars are too low for taxi use. Icon or not, the trend is towards taller cars with more head, shoulder & legroom. For that reason, small wheelbase MPVs make excellent taxis

Cheers, m

'No receipt, no permit' warning to taxi drivers
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/11/30/nation/5205974&sec=nation

Women to get 30% of new cab permits in Klang Valley


KUALA LUMPUR: Women will get 30 percent out of 3,000 new individual taxi licences in the Klang Valley, said Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) chairman Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique.

She said the issuance of the new taxi permits was in line with the announcement made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to commemorate his 100 days in office on July 11.

CVLB has agreed to issue additional individual taxi licences in the Klang Valley as part of efforts to encourage women to venture into taxi business, she said in a statement Thursday.

She said the issuance of taxi licences in Penang and Malacca were subjected to the quota imposed while that of Johor Baru had exceeded the quota.

The application for the individual taxi licence is now open to Malaysians aged not more than 60 years and priority will be given to those who have been driving taxis for five years, she said, adding that the last date of submitting the application is on Dec 31.

Halimah said the application of new licence for individual public town taxi (budget) and hired vehicles nationwide would close on January 1. - Bernama

Sarawak Metered Taxi Rate To Be Standardised With Sabah's
January 15, 2010 12:44 PM

KUCHING, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- The metered taxi rate in Sarawak is to be standardised with that of Sabah from March 1, with RM10 for the first three kilometres and 12 sen for every subsequent 100 metres.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong said today the rate was in the process of being gazetted.

He spoke to reporters after attending a briefing by Sarawak Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) director Wan Samsulri Wan Hasbi at the CVLB office, here.

The implementation of the new taxi rate on Aug 1 last year met with protest from the metered taxi operators and drivers who claimed it was to their disadvantage and their association sent a memorandum to the Sarawak CVLB in October proposing that the rate be standardised with that of Sabah.

Following the protest, the Sarawak CVLB allowed metered taxi operators and drivers to revert to the old system pending a review and approval of new rates at the ministry level.

The taxi operators and drivers were unhappy that the rate was RM3 for the first kilometre and 12 sen for every subsequent 100 metres. The current rate is RM4 for the first two kilometres and 10 sen for every subsequent 100 metres.

Sarawak has more than 900 metered taxis but the system is implemented only in Kuching, Sibu and Miri.

Liew also said that the taxi coupon system, under limited implementation in Sarawak, would be extended in Kuching and Sibu from the end of March.

"Metered taxis are used in areas where the coupon system is not offered," he said, adding that this system enabled commuters to know the fare to any destination.

He also said that from Feb 1 the Sarawak CVLB would not entertain applications to renew or augment the services of express bus operators with arrears in settlement of traffic summonses.

On another matter, he said the Sarawak CVLB had agreed to extend the life span of school buses from 25 years to 30, subject to Puspakom's approval after inspection.

-- BERNAMA

Water taxis expected to begin operations in July
January 15, 2010, Friday

KUCHING: Kuching’s water taxis are expected to begin operations this July.Minister of Housing and Urban Development Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday said the water taxis will ply between Satok (new township) and the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

For a start, he said, three boats will be used to carry five, 10 and 15 passengers respectively.

The number of boats, he said, would eventually be increased under the private sector.

“The water taxi in Sungai Sarawak is among our approaches to provide public transportation as an alternative to the land transport from Satok to BCCK to reduce traffic congestion.

“The water taxis will encourage people to use the river as a mode of transportation, besides making it a tourism product,” Johari told a press conference yesterday.

He said a committee, headed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development permanent secretary Affandi Keli and comprising members of the Marine Department, has been set up to look into the matter seriously.

Johari had earlier attended a briefing with the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) and other related agencies.

He said between five and eight pontoons with a marina design, would be built along the route between Satok and BCCK, which is a distance of about 10 nautical miles. He added that the new Satok township, to be constructed in the next three months, is expected to become a business center and the water taxis would make it more convenient for people to travel between the area and BCCK. The fare structure would be announced soon.

Johari assured that the boats to be used as water taxis would prioritise safety aspects for passengers and be user-friendly.

For this, he said, a boat design competition would be held to ensure that boats used fulfilled such aspects, adding that between RM10,000 and RM15,000 has been set aside for the purpose.

He also said that river transportation had been successful in Melaka and Singapore and was worth emulating in view of the Sarawak River.

“We have great potential in making Kuching a more vibrant city with the existence of water taxis because we have a very established waterway,” he said. The water taxis, he said, would not affect the less than 100 perahu tambang operators, and added that these operators were also encouraged to participate in the water taxi business.

Meanwhile, Johari said he would announce a new local public transport system after a meeting with the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

He hinted that the public transport system would be very up-to-date and was not even being used in Peninsular Malaysia.

Among those at the press conference were Assistant Ministers of Housing and Urban Development Datuk Dr Soon Choon Teck and Abdul Wahab Aziz.

@ Putrajaya
From flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/4055245791_a3708c73dc_b.jpg

http://www.lpkp.gov.my/image/image_gallery?uuid=b5cb2e0f-da18-4ba5-b8e0-191d659bcac6&groupId=23238&t=1263867538848

http://www.lpkp.gov.my/image/image_gallery?uuid=b5cb2e0f-da18-4ba5-b8e0-191d659bcac6&groupId=23238&t=1263867538848

LPKP / CVLB Enforcement Campaign

Cheers, m

Taxi drivers are still overcharging
2010/01/21


This signboard placed at the entrance of Suria KLCC advises the public to use only taxis running on meters.

KUALA LUMPUR: Days after the launch of a three-month awareness campaign on the rights of public transport users, not much has changed in the attitudes of taxi drivers.

Checks at Central Market revealed that taxi drivers were still overcharging passengers and refusing to use meters.

Some drivers were willing to reduce the fare slightly after much haggling but most had a "take it or leave it" attitude.

Our reporter took a ride in a taxi from Central Market to KLCC and was charged a flat rate of RM15. There was no congestion. If the meter was used, the fare would have been less than RM10.


Our reporter was given a blank receipt instead of a printed one.

Next, our reporter approached a taxi driver outside Suria KLCC at the Jalan Ampang taxi stand. A signboard at the shopping mall's entrance advises passengers to use the taxi stand in Jalan Ampang and use only metered taxis.

Our reporter was told that the taxi fare from Suria KLCC to Mid Valley Megamall was RM20 and it was non-negotiable.

Our reporter insisted that the driver use the meter or at least reduce the price. But the driver claimed that taxi drivers in the area did not use the meter because traffic was slow-moving. He added that some charged as much as RM30.

Upon arrival, our reporter asked for a receipt after paying the fare but the driver claimed that he did not have a receipt book.

Mahzab Ghanbarzade, an Iranian tourist, said she was charged RM15 for her taxi ride from Grand Seasons Hotel to Suria KLCC.

"None of the taxis I took used the meter and we didn't know who to report this to. But the drivers were not rude so it wasn't an awful experience."

Mahzab said the awareness campaign was a good idea.

The campaign is part of the transport sector's National Key Result Areas to increase the percentage of public transport users from 16 per cent to 25 per cent by 2012.

To empower the public and improve the taxi service, the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) is distributing pamphlets in English, Malay, Chinese and Tamil.

Stickers with the message, "This is a metered taxi. Haggling is prohibited. Request for your receipt", were also distributed.

Checks at the South Court driveway of Mid Valley Megamall found the taxi drivers there to be more professional. They used meters and also did not refuse to take passengers.

A ride from Mid Valley Megamall to KL Sentral along Jalan Tun Sambanthan at 1pm came up to RM6.40 on the meter. The driver also produced a printed ticket indicating the distance, price and vehicle number.

The driver, who was in his 60s, said he had been driving a taxi for over 30 years and had always followed the rules.

"Not all taxi drivers are bad. There are still some honest ones. We welcome the increase in the taxi fare but it has resulted in fewer passengers as many claim that it is too expensive."

Our delight over the professionalism of the taxi drivers at the Mid Valley taxi stand was short-lived.

Many taxi drivers in Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, were also refusing to use meters.

A taxi driver said it wasn't as bad in the day as it was at night.

"Passengers should report errant drivers to the CVLB as these drivers cheat them.

"Many passengers don't practise their rights and this leads to more taxi drivers breaking the rules," he said.

Association Wants New Taxi Stand For Kuala Terengganu
February 21, 2010 16:52 PM

KUALA TERENGGANU, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu Malay Taxi Drivers and Taxi Owners Association has urged the state government to build a new taxi stand to reflect the city status of Kuala Terengganu.

Chairman Yunus Salleh said it was the responsibility of the state government and the local authority to build the stand as the present stand was not good for its image.

"The present taxi stand is old and dilapidated. The road is not tarred and rubbish is strewn all over the place," he said after the handing over of a signboard by Kuala Terengganu Recreation and Sports Club (Kesun) chairman Datuk Dr Alex Ong Yeok Leng here on Sunday.

Yunus said the association had asked the Kuala Terengganu City Council (MBKT) and state govenment about the new taxi stand but was told that no decision had been made on the matter.

-- BERNAMA

Taxi Stand in Kuala Lumpur
The taxi stand erected by Pavilion

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/1/12/central/m_pg11pavilion.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Kuala%20Lumpur/DSC00225.jpg

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@ Prince Court Medical Centre

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Kuala%20Lumpur/DSC00270.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Kuala%20Lumpur/DSC00271.jpg

Coupon Taxi System To Be Expanded In Sarawak
March 09, 2010 17:10 PM

KUCHING, March 9 (Bernama) -- The Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) plans to expand the coupon taxi system implemented at airports to other areas in Sarawak by the end of this month.

Sarawak CVLB director Wan Samsulri Wan Hasbi said the coupon taxi system to be implemented in Kuching and Sibu involves fares ranging from RM7 to RM120 according to zone.

"We will be meeting non-governmental organsisations (NGO) on March 11 to get feedback and want to make improvements before implementing it," he told Bernama here Tuesday.

CVLB had identified 21 zones in Kuching for implementation of the system, mostly at hotels, with fares from RM7 to RM80 while Sibu had 22 zones with fares ranging from RM8 to RM120.

Wan Samsulri said the coupon taxi system provides passengers a uniform fare to all destinations in the state.

It followed implementation of the metered taxi system where over 900 taxis in Kuching, Sibu and Miri have to charge fares based on meters.

-- BERNAMA

Putting an end to KLCC's
2010/11/24 Veena Babulal
Picture by Chan Wai Yew

http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/25taxi/pixgal3

http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/25taxi/pixgal2

Passengers should look out for
the website address for Awana Sutera’s taxis.

http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/25taxi/pixgal1

Tourists will no longer be cheated of
their money with the new service.

KUALA LUMPUR: Those who have been hailing taxis from Suria KLCC over the past decade have one thing in common -- horror stories of how cab drivers refuse to use the meters and charge a flat rate.

Porters and customer service operators there can also vouch for cases of both tourists and locals being overcharged.

A tourist was once charged RM500 for a ride to a hotel nearby while another was charged US$200 (about RM630) for a ride to Pavilion KL.

Some cab drivers would increase the fares during the ride and those who refused to pay the new rates would be asked to get out of the taxis.

This problem may be a thing of the past now that a private company has stepped in to manage the taxi services there.

Under a seven-year concession agreement with Suria KLCC, Awana Sutera Sdn Bhd will be managing taxi services within the mall's grounds.

The company started its services three weeks ago much to the relief of passengers.

Awana Sutera will ensure that taxis picking up passengers from the mall use meters. Taxis that are not registered with the company are only allowed to drop off passengers.

To board these taxis, passengers are required to pay a RM2 surcharge at counters located at Ampang Mall, Ramlee Mall and Isetan.

Passengers will be given a receipt with the taxi's car registration number printed on it. They can use the receipt to lodge complaints about the cab drivers or their refusal to use the meters and trace items left behind in the taxi.

Taxis registered with Awana Sutera will have the website address -- taxiservices.com.my -- on their windscreens.

A check by Streets, revealed that some passengers were reluctant to use the service. However, those who stepped out onto Jalan Ampang to hail a taxi, came back complaining to a Awana Sutera customer service officer that those taxi drivers were charging flat rates.

KLCC Property Holdings Bhd chief executive officer Hashim Wahir can relate to these passengers' predicament as he, too, was caught in a similar situation one night when he was told to alight halfway through the journey when he refused to agree to a new fare.

He said the drivers who had been there when the mall first opened gave the nation a bad name.

"They overcharged, were thuggish and they left many people stranded. These rogue taxi drivers preyed on passengers near the Twin Towers as it is one of the nation's most visited spots," said Hashim.

Siti Halimah Shahridzo, 27, said a taxi driver once tried to charge her RM30 for a trip to Kampung Pandan, which is a mere 5km away.

"I'd rather pay this RM2 surcharge to book the taxi than haggle with these rogue drivers outside. They are also thuggish and conspire among themselves to not use the meters.

"These taxi drivers who park by the roadside also chase away other metered taxi drivers."

Bank employee Sangeetha Devi Ratan Singh said she was glad that a solution has been found.

"I am not too thrilled about paying an extra RM2, but it is better than hailing a taxi outside. I once flagged down a cab from here and the driver tried to charge me a flat rate of RM20 for a ride to my house in Taman Sri Segambut which is about 10km away.

"When I took a cab from KL Sentral's taxi services management company, they charged a flat rate of RM14, even when I was heading for a place which was even further away," said Sangeetha.

She said Awana Sutera should increase its fleet of taxis as she had to wait for more than 20 minutes for a cab on two occasions.

Taxi drivers who were not registered with the company have protested twice earlier this month over the implementation of the service.

Awana Sutera has imposed a monthly and yearly membership fee of RM30 and RM120 respectively for budget taxis, and RM120 and RM150 respectively, for executive taxis.

They also said the 10 per cent commission charges that the company imposed on airport, hourly and on-call cabs were exorbitant.

"CVLB already charges us RM12 and RM30 per airport trip for budget and executive taxis respectively, and this fee is non-transferrable. How are we going to make ends meet?" said cab driver, R. Rama.

The cab drivers also claimed that their friends who were registered with Awana Sutera had to deal with passengers who refused to pay the metered amount as they considered the RM2 surcharge as the full payment.

Budget taxi driver Rosman Awalludin, 48, also said that he feared that the place would become a hub for executive taxis as it's more of those taxis which had signed up with the company.

Several taxi drivers have threatened to stage protests if the service is not stopped.

Proton Exora as Latest Taxi in Johor Bahru
http://super325.com/2011/11/08/proton-exora-as-latest-taxi-in-johor-bahru-3-photos

http://super325.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/img_1472.jpg

http://super325.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/img_1474.jpg

Anything else is better than that stupid SAGA!:bash:

Too many taxis, tapi mostly tak boleh pakai. And drive like crazy, once I saw a taxi hog both lane of the roads driving dangerously. Maybe should as Prasarana to run a taxi service then we can see all these useless taxi companies fade away.

yeah..n i hate few taxi drivers who main masuk lane sana lane sini without signal as if he is the king of the road :ohno:

Taxi drivers operating in KL Sentral charge high rates after 2am
Stories by BAVANI M and JASTIN AHMAD TARMIZI
Photos by AZMAN GHANI, LOW BOON TAT and SAMUEL ONG
Monday October 24, 2011

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/10/24/central/m_3sentral.jpg

Unruly: A ‘marshal’ in charge allots passengers for his group of
taxi drivers and bullies anyone who gets in his way.

THE taxi drivers at KL Sentral are fleecing customers by charging exorbitant rates after the taxi counter closes at 2am.

As soon as the counter closes, taxi drivers will make a beeline for KL Sentral, charging rates higher than the ones approved by the authorities.

According to sources, they take advantage of people who are tired and just want to go home and who will not argue about the rates.

There will be one taxi driver who controls the others and decides on who will ferry the passengers.

READ MORE: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/10/24/central/9747870&sec=central

Taxi counters told to open until 4am
Monday October 24, 2011

Disregard for the law: During the day, the taxi drivers follow rules and pick up passengers in an orderly fashion but at night they flout the law and swarm buses to tout their service. :ohno:

TERMINAL operator Semasa Sentral has warned Puncak Holdings Sdn Bhd, the company operating the taxi counter at KL Sentral, to keep their counters open until 4am.

A spokesman from Semasa Sentral, which manages the transportation hub, said the taxi counters in the terminal were not allowed to close early.

“We have instructed them to open the counter at the main entrance facing KL Hilton until 4am,’’ he said.

“Since construction work is being carried out at the ground level, the LCCT buses are allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at Level 2. “Hence we have allowed them to close the counter early. But the main counter must be open until 4am,’’ he added.

The spokesman said the terminal management acknowledged there were touts. “We are working with the Land Public Transport Commission ( SPAD) to investigate the matter,’’ he said.

Puncak Holdings chairman Datuk Aslah Abdullah blamed the situation on the construction work being carried out on the ground level of KL Sentral.

READ MORE: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/10/24/central/9755450&sec=central

Photographed this particular taxi in Kota Kinabalu because of its number plate (registration) :

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6780367073_35176bf181_z.jpg

:banana: HS 1000!