KOTA BARU – Many taxi drivers in four districts in Kelantan have surrendered their permits due to lack of passengers since March last year and more are expected to follow suit.
Faizul Mustapa, the treasurer of Persatuan Kereta Sewa Kelantan Gabungan Barat, which represents the drivers, said almost 30% of its members have been forced to do this, citing lack of passengers due to the movement control order (MCO) and the inability to meet management costs.
“Almost 30% of the 300 members have resorted to the drastic move of surrendering their permits. The members are from Kota Baru, Pasir Mas, Rantau Panjang and Pengkalan Kubor.
“We expect more taxi drivers to follow in their footsteps if the situation persists,” he told reporters when met at the Bersatu Car Rental Caring Programme here today.
The programme was also attended by Bersatu Supreme Council member Datuk Mohamed Farid Mohamed Zawawi.
Earlier, Farid handed out petrol vouchers worth RM50 to 21 taxi drivers in the district who have been impacted by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Commenting further, Faizul said the taxi drivers also face the problem of meeting annual operational costs, including for their car and business licences.
“The taxi drivers also have to bear vehicle insurance coverage costs (that range from) RM800 to RM1,700, depending on the age of the car as well as car and business licences, which cost RM300 for a five-year period.
“We are appealing to relevant parties for assistance and we hope the government can exempt us from (paying) operational costs during this difficult period,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ismail Kadir, 67, who has been a taxi driver for 35 years, said he is now dependent on his four children aged 25 to 40 after having lost his source of income since March last year. – Bernama, February 20, 2021
