The planned taxi drivers’ protest against ridesharing apps like Uber and GrabCar has commenced today after all, despite not permitted and being declared illegal by the authorities. The Star reports that dozens of drivers have gathered at the Padang Merbok carpark at around 10 am, holding placards that call for a ban on these apps and shouting “long live taxis!”
The protestors, led by the Klang Valley Taxi Driver Action Committee, are claiming that the ridesharing competition has caused them to suffer a loss in income. They are also accusing the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) for not been firm enough in prosecuting these companies and demand that their leadership be “reshuffled.”
Many of the drivers brought their own taxis to the protest – some decorated with Malaysian flags – and a banner calling for the resignation of SPAD chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar was displayed. The protest also saw the support of MP Nasrudin Hassan and a few people wearing Otai Reformis T-shirts, who were present.
Although Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Mhd Amin Nordin had previously said that “the police and DBKL will have to do something” if the protest proceeded without a permit, the event has not seen intervention from a number of policemen who were present around the field and carpark.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments reflect widespread dissatisfaction with taxi services, criticizing poor vehicle conditions and dishonest practices. Many support Uber and GrabCar for better prices, safer and newer cars, and improved service. Some blame SPAD and government cronies connected to taxi licenses, accusing them of corruption and conflict of interest. Protestors are seen as driven by personal interests or political motives, with overall sentiments favoring deregulation and fair competition, while expressing frustration over government and industry corruption.