By Xavier Kong
Several unscrupulous taxi drivers in Georgetown, Penang have taken to cashing in on the holiday rush by not using theirs meters, and charging fares at an exorbitantly high flat rate, according to a report by the Malay Mail Online today.
Several users have come forward with stories of price gouging by taxi drivers in the city, with complaints that not only were the rates extremely expensive, but also that the vehicles were in rather bad condition. There were also complaints of the taxi driver breaking traffic rules and driving dangerously.
Users of the taxi service had expressed disgust and anger at the high rates and misconduct of the taxi drivers, with a number opting instead to use ridesharing services like Uber and GrabCar, which received endorsements for the better service provided by their drivers compared to taxis. There also existed the perception that authorities were ineffective at enforcing the law.
MyTeksi Penang city manager Loh Ji Yuan had said that the 660 drivers registered with the group would be suspended for a week should any be found refusing to use their meters, with repeat offenders to be banned for good.
Penang Tourism Malaysia director Harun Pilus had called for the authorities to be firm with rogue taxi drivers tarnishing the image of the state, which had been built up over the years by both the government and the private sector.
“We do not want unscrupulous taxi drivers to let all this go to waste for selfish reasons,” he said, adding that everyone should cooperate to make Penang a tourism success story.
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