KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 — Commuters say they are held to ransom by rogue taxi drivers because they have no other options.

A sales assistant, who only wished to be known as Nur Afifah, said she was often left with no alternative but to take a taxi that doesn’t charge by the meter.

“I live and work in Bukit Bintang, and I usually pay between RM7 and RM8 to get around the vicinity. But the rates can change, especially at night where they normally quote RM10 or RM15. I am forced to rely on their services as I have no other choice,” she said.

“Sometimes, they purposely take the longer route so it would cost more.”

Taxi regular Ngo Ming Hui, 46, said enforcement against errant taxi drivers should be more stern and conducted regularly.

“Taxi drivers seem to have no fear of the law,” he said.

“If a tourist were to be conned, he or she will surely spread the word and this may discourage others from visiting Malaysia.”

Ngo said while he does not support meter-flouting cabbies, he is sometimes left with no alternative but to give in.

“I usually haggle for cheaper fares if I am offered a fixed rate by a cabbie as I feel paying RM20 to travel a short distance is just too steep.”

Australian tourist Stephen Baird said he did some research on taxi drivers in the country prior to his visit.

“I am aware of rogues and I remain cautious before entering taxis here,” he said.

Fellow Australian David Trowers said he was charged RM15 for a five-minute taxi ride in the city but thought nothing of it.

“We don’t know what the prices are like and we just want to get to our destination,” he said.