1,000 licences for cabbies, but with conditions

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has announced the issuance of 1,000 individual taxi licences and other goodies for taxi drivers today, but with strings attached.

In addition to having a good track record as a taxi driver for five years, the drivers must purchase a specially fitted Proton Exora multipurpose vehicle.

“I have made the decision just now,” said Najib, apparently impressed with the concept vehicles displayed outside the event venue.

“For each and every of the 1,000 taxi driver whom we are about to give their individual licence, it is mandatory to purchase a Proton Exora.

“Yayasan Rakyat 1MDB will give a grant of RM5,000 for each taxi, meaning that the RM64,000 price would be reduced to RM59,000,” he said.

Spill over crowds of taxi drivers attending the ceremony at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) cheered as the announcement was made.

In addition, the prime minister also promised that a second round of TR1M tire vouchers would be issued.

Taxi drivers have long complained that they have to pay high rental fees to taxi companies in order to rent and operate a taxi.

Abolishing the system and issuing individual taxi licences is one of the promises in Pakatan Rakyat’s manifesto, while Najib had promised the licences in June last year.

[More to follow]