By CY Ming

I refer to the news report “Cabbies protest against GrabCar and Uber outside Parliament” that appeared in a local English daily on Mar 21.

The number of protests by taxi drivers staged in the Klang Valley probably exceeds that of all self-employed groups in the country combined.

The reasons for their protests have always been the same but none among them have yet to offer valid arguments to further their cause.

In the past, they have targeted taxi companies for charging them high rentals, for failing to make EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund) contributions and for not giving them Socso benefits, forgetting that they are customers, not employees of taxi companies.

They have also chosen to forget that no one forced them to pay several thousand ringgit and sign the rental-purchase agreement to rent the permit and purchase the vehicle, which they get to own upon full settlement of the loan.

Instead, they have accused taxi companies for charging high rental when they should be grateful for being given the opportunity to drive a taxi for a living.

Many of these taxi drivers do not qualify for taxi permits or bank loans. Many taxi drivers who have their own permits obtained their loans from taxi companies and do not complain of interests higher than those charged by banks.

After the EPF allowed the self-employed to participate in their retirement fund several years ago, grouses of the taxi drivers turned to their lack of a safety net.

From June 1, all e-hailing and taxi drivers must be registered with Socso and covered under the Employment Injury Scheme, and will be required to pay between RM157.20 and RM592.80 a year for it.

It is certain there will be another round of protests as what they have wished for will have turned into their worst nightmare.

This time, the protest outside Parliament was against Grab and Uber for flouting the law and carrying out “illegal activities.”

But last August, the Cabinet already decided to regulate e-hailing services and amendments, so various laws are scheduled to be tabled in Parliament this month, making the protest superfluous.

Moreover, a large number of taxi drivers have already switched to driving under Grab and Uber, and they are busy with many trips and have begun to earn more, even though rates are lower.

However, stubborn taxi drivers who wish to maintain the old ways when they monopolised taxi services, and passengers were at their mercy, are now unhappy with their change in fortunes.

They can easily switch to driving for e-hailing services or buses and stand to earn a higher income instead of sticking with taxis, but chose not to for various reasons.

They are aware that they will be bumped off by Grab or Uber should they continue with their antics. Their numbers are small but highly vocal, with 50 of them carrying placards and chanting slogans near Parliament House.

Members of Parliament who pander to them will be making fools of themselves. It is time for politicians from both side of the political divide to tell off recalcitrant taxi drivers.

Such action would help exonerate the majority of taxi drivers that have been treated with scorn by the general public because of the action of rotten apples in their midst.

They can often be seen in gangs exchanging notes with one another on their success at ripping-off passengers or plotting when to stage yet another protest.

Nearly all taxi drivers do not belong to any association and have no time for such activities. They work like “lone rangers” and have no idea or interest in what others are doing.

After e-hailing apps are regulated, drivers will be required to obtain a “Public Driver Licence” or “Public Service Driver” licence similar to the current Public Service Vehicle licence and Driver Card, and there will likely be less part-time drivers.

This will benefit many metered taxi drivers in the Klang Valley, as many are elderly and do not use taxi apps. They however do use the meter and deserve our support.

CY Ming is an FMT reader.

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