KUCHING: The Chairman of the Sarawak Commercial Licensing Board (LPKP), Michael Kong, has pinpointed the need to restore confidence in taxis by ensuring fair, transparent, and competitive pricing to improve the state’s tourism industry and public transport ecosystem.
He pointed out that one of the ongoing issues in Sarawak’s public transportation sector is the non-usage of taxi meters, which has led to overcharging and a decline in public trust.
“Taxis play a crucial role in our transportation network, especially as they are often the first point of contact for tourists arriving in Sarawak.
“While it is mandatory for taxis to operate with a meter, many taxi drivers have expressed concerns about the high costs of installation and the difficulty in servicing these meters.
“Currently, there is only one service center in Sarawak for taxi meters, making maintenance cumbersome and inconvenient,” he said.
To address this issue, Kong said LPKP Sarawak has taken a proactive step by collaborating with e-hailing operators such as Grab, MyCar, Maxim, and AirAsia Rides to integrate a taxi meter function into their apps.
This initiative aims to provide taxi drivers with a regulated, transparent, and technology-driven platform, ensuring fair pricing, access to a larger customer base, and a more structured support system from e-hailing operators.
“I am pleased that Grab, MyCar, and AirAsia Rides have agreed to incorporate this function into their platforms, marking a significant step forward in modernizing our taxi industry,” he added.
He said LPKP Sarawak will work closely with taxi drivers to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure the successful adoption of this initiative.
With this effort, the board aims to restore the credibility of taxis, boost public confidence, and provide both tourists and locals with a fair, efficient, and transparent taxi service.
LPKP Sarawak remains committed to implementing innovative and practical policies that benefit both industry players and the public.
By Connie Chieng