KUALA LUMPUR: Combined Taxis Across Malaysia (GTSM) will hold a Taxi Reform rally on Dec 19 in the wake of what it says is the failure of Transport Minister Anthony Loke to resolve the impasse between taxis and e-hailing companies such as Grab.
GTSM President Kamarudin Mohd Hussain said the peaceful gathering will be held simultaneously nationwide, involving around 150 associations under the coalition.
“We urge all taxi drivers to claim their right to be taxi drivers, and not to be intimidated by e-hailing services (which are becoming) thick-headed.
“We also advise Loke to resolve this issue soon. If Grab is unable to be eliminated, (the ministry) should give us fair and equal rights as Grab,” he said.
Kamarudin said none of the members under GTSM will apply for a permit to hold the rally.
“We will not apply for a permit. Why would we need to get permission (to demonstrate) while the guilty party (Grab) can (operate) freely until today?
“We will travel all over the country to meet with taxi associations and drivers, inviting them to join the rally,” he said.
Kamarudin added that if Loke is still unable to resolve the matter after the protest, GTSM will hold a second Taxi Reform rally in the capital to urge Loke to resign.
Meanwhile, Big Blue Taxi Facilities Sdn Bhd director Datuk Shamsubahrin Ismail said he is disappointed with Loke, whom he said has not responded to an application he sent to discuss the issue.
“The letter was sent on Nov 5 – but it has (so far been) ignored by the ministry.
“I am disappointed with his unprofessional attitude,” he said.
Shamsubahrin said that Loke has kept silent on the problem as though he has an agenda, while he – on behalf of Big Blue Taxi Facilities – wants to discuss the issue.