KUCHING: The metered taxi rate in Sarawak is to be standardised with that of Sabah from March 1, with RM10 for the first three kilometres and 12 sen for every subsequent 100 metres.Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong said yesterday the rate was in the process of being gazetted.
He spoke to reporters after attending a briefing by Sarawak Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) director Wan Samsulri Wan Hasbi at the CVLB office, here.
The implementation of the new taxi rate on Aug 1 last year met with protest from the metered taxi operators and drivers who claimed it was to their disadvantage and their association sent a memorandum to the Sarawak CVLB in October proposing that the rate be standardised with that of Sabah.
Following the protest, the Sarawak CVLB allowed metered taxi operators and drivers to revert to the old system pending a review and approval of new rates at the ministry level.
The taxi operators and drivers were unhappy that the rate was RM3 for the first kilometre and 12 sen for every subsequent 100 metres.
The current rate is RM4 for the first two kilometres and 10 sen for every subsequent 100 metres.
Sarawak has more than 900 metered taxis but the system is implemented only in Kuching, Sibu and Miri.
Liew also said that the taxi coupon system, under limited implementation in Sarawak, would be extended in Kuching and Sibu from the end of March.
“Metered taxis are used in areas where the coupon system is not offered,” he said, adding that this system enabled commuters to know the fare to any destination.
He also said that from Feb 1 the Sarawak CVLB would not entertain applications to renew or augment the services of express bus operators with arrears in settlement of traffic summonses.
On another matter, he said the Sarawak CVLB had agreed to extend the life span of school buses from 25 years to 30, subject to Puspakom’s approval after inspection. — Bernama