Transport Ministry denies neglecting taxi drivers' welfare

The Pakatan Harapan government has not neglected the welfare of taxi drivers and operators, and has in fact provided no less assistance than the previous administration.

This was said by Deputy Transport Minister Kamaruddin Jaafar, who added that if any measure or decision is deemed not beneficial to the group, there will be efforts to resolve them.

“When considering the ride-hailing operations, we also ensure the welfare of taxi drivers and operators is not affected or neglected.

"But we cannot deny that with Grab, there will be more ride-hailing taxis and it has improved service for the people, as it is easier to use,” he said when met at a Jalinan Kasih Ramadan programme in Kuala Lumpur today.

He was commenting on a news report quoting Big Blue Taxi Facilities Sdn Bhd adviser Shamsubahrin Ismail as saying that taxi drivers were disappointed with the government for failing to look after their welfare a year after taking over Putrajaya.

Kamaruddin, who is also Bandar Tun Razak MP, said the government had imposed stringent conditions on ride-hailing operators, which showed its firmness in enforcing the law.

He said it also showed that the Harapan government did not give any advantage to ride-hailing operators compared to taxi drivers and operators.

Earlier, Kamaruddin presented Hari Raya contributions to 400 residents of his constituency at a function organised by the Malaysia Bumiputera Contractors Association (PKBM) with the cooperation of Kampung Malaysia Raya Residents Association.

- Bernama