KUAH, April 26 — A year after they tapped into the Langkawi market, many taxi drivers here are unhappy with the government’s decision to allow ride-hailing services Uber and GrabCar to continue their operations.
Without expressing their political leanings, many of the taxi drivers were hopeful that the government would ban the e-hailing platforms from providing their services on the island.
Checks by Malay Mail’s sister publication ProjekMMO at two taxi stations in Kuah found that many have seen their incomes affected due to competition from Uber and GrabCar.
Aside from the ride-sharing services, taxi drivers also face competition from shuttle operators at the main jetty, the airport, Pantai Chenang, and the Gunung Mat Cincang cable car.
Despite grousing about their reduced income, the taxi drivers refused to speak about political issues in their constituency.
When met by ProjekMMO, the drivers declined to reveal their names or have their photos taken.
“The drop in income is very apparent and we struggle to support our family and pay for the car rent and maintenance,” said a 60-year-old driver, who operates under Tuan Empunya and Langkawi Car Rental Driver.
“We are now faced with a lot of emotional stress, seeing Uber and Grab drivers picking up customers before our eyes. There is nothing we can do to stop them as we are bound by the law.”
The taxi driver said the group does not have any particular issues with Barisan Nasional (BN) or the Federal government, but had asked that their grouses are looked into.
His fellow comrade, also in his 60s, said taxi drivers used to save about RM30 to RM40 daily, but now it is impossible to do so with competition from ride-hailing services.
During peak periods between June and December, he said taxi drivers had been able to generate income up to RM150 on a daily basis.
“But now we struggle to earn a mere RM30 to RM40. All we are asking is GrabCar not be allowed to operate here,” he said, adding that the previous average income was RM70 to RM80 a day.
He added that many customers prefer to use the e-hailing services due to their cheaper rates compared to taxis.
A 50-year-old driver who has made a living from driving taxis since 1997, said some drivers hope the return of Pakatan Harapan’s Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in the upcoming general election would bring change to Langkawi.
“The people of Langkawi will choose Tun, in hopes there will be change, including the young voters,” he said.
