1.4: Unfair charges the main grouse against taxi drivers

KUALA LUMPUR: Consumer associations say that most complaints received by them against taxi drivers was regarding their refusal to use meters.

National Consumer Complaints Centre deputy director Ravin Karu­­­-na­nidhi said he had received a “fair number of complaints” from dissatisfied customers about fare hiking.

“They refuse to use meters and charge high fares. We also received complaints about taxi drivers being rude and using inappropriate language,” Ravin said.

Klang Consumer Association president Devdass Anjan said some taxi drivers in Klang preyed on migrants.

“They take advantage of foreigners, who are not familiar with locations here. Sometimes they even double charge.” 

On the other hand, taxi drivers have their grouses over passengers.

A cabbie who only wanted to be known as Chan said he once pick­­­­ed up a woman passenger from Mid Valley who wanted to go to a condominium in OUG, Jalan Klang Lama.

Upon reaching her destination, the passenger rushed out of the cab and headed straight to her apartment without paying the fare.

“I went after her, but was prevented from entering by the guard.”

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Summary:

Consumer associations said most complaints received by them against taxi drivers are regarding their refusal to use meters. Foreigners who are not familiar with locations here are often taken advantage for higher fares. On the other hand, taxi drivers have their grouses over passengers.