KOTA KINABALU: Illegal pirate taxis, known locally as “kereta sapu,” are popular among Sabahans due to their “personalised” services and “flexible” fares, the State Assembly was told Wednesday.
Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datuk Nasir Tun Sakaran said the fares charged by illegal taxi operators were on a “boleh runding” or negotiable basis.
“Besides, these illegal taxi operators also personalise their services. Those in the east coast for example play ‘daling daling’ songs which are a favourite among the Bajau community.
“Those in interior districts such as Keningau play ‘sumazau’ songs which are preferred by the Kadazandusun community there,” he said when responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Shamsuddin Yahya (BN-Sekong).
Replying to the original question from Anita Barating (BN-Tandek), he said the Sabah Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (CVLB) was considering allowing the use of the compact Perodua Viva as taxis at certain districts.
He said the move was aimed at encouraging illegal taxi operators to regularise themselves to ensure increased safety for passengers.
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