The prime minister’s recent launch of the National Madani Taxi Reform Programme, introducing a new line-up of Proton S70 taxis, is a long-awaited move.
The government’s combined RM10m allocation to revive the long-neglected individual taxi permit industry is also welcome. But it comes very late in the day.
Recently, I spotted a taxi plying the roads (see photo above). The dilapidated state of that taxi exposed many long-neglected problems. These must be tackled quickly if the government’s RM10m investment is to transform the industry.
Taxi driving should not be a last resort born out of economic desperation, or a part-time job to make ends meet. It should become an honourable, dependable, long-term career.
Permit-hoarding by influential individuals and crony companies must end too. These permits and vehicles should go instead to individual drivers who meet strict service standards set by the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad).
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A minimum professional training framework should also be set for entry into the profession. This would help transform service delivery quickly, at no cost to the government.
Financing needs rethinking as well. Finance companies and banks should offer special loans with lower rates pegged to clean driving records and strict regulatory standards. This would help drivers afford new taxis or replace vehicles older than the statutory age limit.
It is great that the new fleet of Proton taxis comes with modern technology. Enforcement authorities must now ensure drivers keep this technology properly maintained at all times.
There is also the wider competitive landscape to consider. Private ride-hailing firms now dominate the market with massive corporate backing, aggressive marketing and recruitment.
Meanwhile, those with political ties are trying to make hay while the sun shines. The government must counter this trend and protect the taxi business, or risk another failed effort, as seen over the past four decades.
The pajak (lease) system must never be allowed to thrive or operate in secret again. This long-ignored practice will keep damaging the reputation and original purpose of a properly governed, well-regulated industry.
Political parties must also stop acting as middlemen to secure taxi permits for their members. This should be handled directly by the government, bypassing political channels entirely.
Hopefully, we will finally see a meaningfully transformed taxi industry. It should be owned and run by individual entrepreneurs in Malaysia, as seen successfully in many countries worldwide.
Otherwise, we can only say: apa lagi kawan, ini semua election gimmick lah (what else, friend, this is all an election gimmick).
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
