SPAD still in talks with industry players on cab fare hike

PETALING JAYA: The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) is still in talks with transport industry players on the increase in taxi fares.

SPAD head of communications Radha Warrier said although the fare review was ongoing, no final decision had been made.

“We need to take into account the welfare of the passengers as well and we need time to review this,” she said yesterday, adding that SPAD might make an announcement within a week or two.

Malaysian Taxi Owners and Drivers Association secretary Hiew Pow Man said it had been discussing a proposed increase in taxi fares for years, but nothing had been implemented.

He said the last time taxi fares were raised was more than six years ago.

Federation of Penang Taxi Associa­tion president Abd Malek Darus said it had sought for a 30% increase since 2009, adding that taxi drivers had to cope with low income.