In a statement, Gabungan Teksi SeMalaysia president Kamarudin Mohd Hussain said such a circular was necessary as the system meant to handle approvals for interdistrict and interstate travel for the transport sector was problematic.

The system is known as “Sistem Maklumat Industri Logistik” or SMILE.

Kamarudin said he had received many complaints from taxi drivers from across the country on their problems at police roadblocks.

He said although transport minister Wee Ka Siong had good intentions in trying to resolve the issues linked to SMILE, the problem may not be resolved.

Kamarudin said the system was problematic and did not allow for appeals, among other problems.

“It must also be remembered that many drivers are not tech savvy and may struggle to use the system.”

A better alternative would be for the ministry to issue a circular that would be recognised by the authorities at roadblocks.

“According to the National Security Council’s SOPs, public services are allowed to operate,” he said, adding their operations should not be complicated by the need to seek approvals for travelling across districts and state borders.

Kamarudin also said he will be submitting a letter to the inspector-general of police at 10am at the Bukit Aman federal police headquarters in a bid to resolve the issues faced by drivers at roadblocks.