My letter published in the Star on Monday, 6th April 2009

Monday April 6, 2009

Subject: CVLB, drastic situations need drastic measures

TOO much has been said about Kuala Lumpur or Malaysian taxis, and it gives a bad image to our country image.

It is ridiculous to read that someone in authority can say to the public that the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (CVLB) is losing a battle against the taxi drivers.

We always read that only a few taxi drivers are creating problems, but if only 15 out of 627 checked were found to be following regulations, this is an “epidemic” already.

Forget about being fair to the taxi drivers. What the CVLB should do is, give the drivers and companies a three-month grace period to get their act in order. Provide them with an acceptable fare scale.

After that, no more summonses or show-cause letters should be issued. The CVLB should be firm and serious about tackling this issue. After this grace period, even first time offenders should have their licences cancelled or even taken to court. We all know that cheating is an offence.

Once the rogue taxi drivers know that the authorities mean business, they will definitely get their act together.

What’s wrong with the whole thing is enforcement. The authorities are too lenient.

To the CVLB and JPJ officials, I would like to say that drastic situations need drastic measures. Don’t tell us that you have lost. If you cannot win, maybe someone else that can do the job right should be sitting in your place.

MALAYSIAN ARAB,
Kuala Lumpur.