GEORGE TOWN, Dec 30 ― Penang airport taxi drivers want the authorities to study the Uber system to see if it could help keep out illegal taxi drivers.

Penang International Airport Taxi and Limousine Drivers Association chairman Hafizi Ahmad urged the Land and Public Transport Committee (SPAD) to study the proposal as it would benefit bona fide taxi drivers.

He said registered taxi drivers at the airport had been facing the problem of illegal taxi drivers who took away their business.

“We are the official airport taxi drivers but the illegal taxi drivers are taking over our business. In addition, we cannot pick up customers outside the airport like normal taxis,” he said.

Hafizi said his members had been complaining about poor business for some time and things were getting worse.

“For me, it will be a win-win situation if we have a system like the one Uber uses,’” he said.

Airport taxi driver Ahmad Rosmadi Ahmad Rosli, 40, said illegal taxis had affected his business.

“We have to go through procedures to get permits and it is costly. But sadly, all our efforts are wasted as the illegal drivers come in to rob us of our business.”

Ahmad Rosmadi said SPAD should adopt the Uber system to benefit the airport taxi drivers.

“We hope they will consider this to improve our livelihood,” he said.