Malaysian Taxi Driver’s Antic/ 大马德士行业的病态

Any frequent visitors to Kuala Lumpur will tell you that taxi service in KL is ne of the worst in this part of the world.

When I was an EXCO, I used to be very dependent on taxi when I am in KL for meeting. Often, they just refused to use the meter and if you insist, they just refused to accept you as a passenger.

Often in a hurry, it’s money that talks and nothing else. Taxi driver often is the first line of contact with many people, both local and foreigners. Bad taxi service gives a very poor image of the country. A lot of international conferences are held in KL and one of the major complaints is taxi service, which is described as horrendous. Overcharging and being rude is the trademark. Hence, it is not surprising that only 15 out of 627 taxis were found to be following regulations following an undercover operation conducted by the JPJ.

The common complaint by taxi driver is that the meter fare has not been changed since the last 13 years. There are valid reasons for this fare to be increased since in the last 13 years, even the price of char kuey teow has increased from RM2.80 to RM3.80 or even up to RM4.50 depending on the location. It is only fair that the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) should look into this request.

Taxi drivers have to pay a rental of RM40-50 daily since a lot of these taxis are owned by companies. The CVLB should consider giving license to individual drivers so that the cost of operation can be reduced. As part of condition in giving licenses, taxi driver should undergo mandatory course on proper driving, basic manners and knowledge of the town where they operate. Maybe an examination should be conducted, either written or oral. Then only we can expect better service.

A common complaint among taxi driver operating from the KLIA is that they are only allowed to carry passengers to the city and on the journey back, they are not allowed to take in any passengers unless the passenger is going to airport. This will only serve to increase the cost of running the taxi. They should be allowed to pick up passengers on their way back to the airport if the passengers’ destination is on the same route to the airport.

Most of the taxis are in deplorable condition. Renewal of taxi license should be conditional on the taxi been well maintained and clean. Until then, we have to continue to bear with taxi drivers who don’t follow the rules and regulations but operate according to their mood.

经常到吉隆坡的人都有同感，吉隆坡的德士服务是全球最恶劣的其中一个。

我担任州行政议员时，每回到吉隆坡开会都得依赖德士代步。通常，德士司机都会拒绝使用计程表，遇到坚持用计程表的搭客，他们甚至会拒载。

德士司机是前线的服务工作者，与国内外搭客直接接触。态度恶劣的德士会让搭客对我国留下坏印象。我国,特别是吉隆坡向来承办不少的国际会议和活动，而本地德士司机的服务态度也一直占众投诉之冠，甚至被投诉者以“恐怖”来形容。收费过高及粗鲁对待搭客似乎已成为本地德士服务的商标。所以，陆路交通局日前对627辆德士展开检举，发现只有15辆德士守规的消息公并未让我吃惊。

德士司机普遍上不满计程最低固定收费在过去13年来未获调整。说实在，一盘炒粿条在13年内已从2.80涨至3.80甚至是4.50，要求调整德士最低固定收费也算合情理。我希望商用车辆执照局能接受和认真研究这项要求，公平对待德士行业。

目前，大多数司机向德士公司租车，每天的租车费约40至50令吉。商用车辆局应该考虑发放个人德士准证，以减低德士司机的营运成本。而申请的条件是，德士司机必须接受强制性驾驶、基本礼仪及所营运的地方知识课程。也许，有关当局可以实行笔试或口试评估司机。这样，我们将可期望德士司机者提供更好的服务。

另外，机场德士司机也投诉，他们只允许从机场载送搭客到市中心，但在返途中，除了要往机场去的乘客以外，其他一切不可接载。由于载客受限，导致机场德士的运行成本高涨。其实，他们应被允许接载目的地与前往机场路线顺道的搭客。

此外，当局处理更新准证的申请时，也应考虑德士车辆的维修保养状态，确保路上行驶的德士符合清洁和安全标准。

否则，我们只能继续忍受态度恶劣和违规司机在路上横行了。