SEEKING SOLUTIONS: Jong speaking during the press conference yesterday.
KUCHING: Associated Taxi’s Owners’ Association of Sarawak yesterday called on the government to swift action to resolve the issue of passenger van or ‘kereta sapu’, which has affected the business of taxi drivers here.
The association’s new chairman for 2011-2012, Jong Choon Fah told The Borneo Post that he could not remember when the issue was first being raised but it seemed to have gone on for a long time without it being properly dealt with.
“I hope the government can review and look further into the plights of more than 2,000 licensed taxi owners in Sarawak. If this can be done immediately, then there is still hope for taxi owners as they depend on the trade for livelihood,” he urged.
Jong also pointed out on petrol issue and requested subsidy for Ron 95 and Ron 97 to lighten the burden of taxi drivers.
“All these problems are not faced by Kuching taxi owners only but also those in Limbang. I hope the government could find amicable solutions so that their livelihood is not at stake,” Jong stressed.
However, while awaiting the government to deal with these issues, he hoped all members and taxi owners in the state would work together and foster greater relationship to maintain better solidarity and spirit of comradeship.
Committee member Yeo Kheng Ho wants the government to draw out the dos and don’ts for ‘taxi’ and ‘taxi limousine’, especially those operating from airport and hotels.
“There seemed to be no clear cut jurisdictions on what we can do and what other operators can do,” added Yeo.
That aside, Yeo also complained on the insurance policy for taxis for not being standardised, adding that the insurance policy premium for new taxi is currently priced between RM2,800 and RM4,800.
He suggested that all commercial taxis with proper licence should have their insurance policy and premium standardised.
“As such, taxi operators would be more motivated in their work and would enhance their service,” he added.
The association’s new vice chairman Muga Yundow from Limbang, on the other hand, wants the government to speak to neighbouring Brunei on permitting Sarawak taxis to bring passengers across to Miri.
Muga noted that the Sultanate state is very stringent on the crossing and taxis from the north are not allowed to enter the country without special permission.
The association had also disclosed its new office bearers for 2011 during the press conference.