KL cabbies blame authorities after being named ‘worst in the world’

PETALING JAYA — Kuala Lumpur Sentral Taxi Drivers Association says it agrees with a website’s claim that Kuala Lumpur’s cabbies are the “worst in the world”.

Its president Badrol Hisham said it was true that taxi services in KL are the worst since the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) had also said it.

“However, SPAD’s involvement with taxi associations is minimum,” he said.

“There are too many taxi drivers out there and it is easy to become one. Anyone can be a taxi driver, even ex-convicts can become taxi drivers. All they need to do is to apply for a taxi driving licence.”

Mr Badrol said SPAD should tighten the screening process of taxi drivers and not be lenient in giving out licences.

“Additionally, SPAD should give more intensive training for taxi drivers to improve their attitude and services.”

The website, London Cabs, said in its 10 Countries with the Worst Drivers list recently that KL cabbies often overcharged customers by refusing to use the meter or by taking longer routes.

Rome’s taxi drivers came in second, and those in Bangkok were third.

SPAD chairman Syed Hamid Albar, when contacted yesterday (July 4), agreed with the website.

“We have organised many programmes and training courses for taxi drivers and even had courses on courtesy,” he said.

“But there have not been much improvement. In the end, it lies in the hands of the taxi industry and drivers to improve themselves.”

Mr Syed Hamid also said 50 per cent of the 42,000 taxis operating in KL were privately-owned.

“Most of the privately-owned taxis are more than seven-years-old and SPAD has been encouraging the drivers to purchase new cars.”

He said only about 2,000 drivers had complied with SPAD.

“There has been improvements but it is not enough. So we created a mobile application, MeterOn, for passengers to rate taxi drivers’ service. This is to help get customers’ feedbacks and to give incentives for drivers to provide good service.

“It’s time for them to change their perception and take pride in their job.” MALAY MAIL ONLINE