PETALING JAYA: Ehailing and taxi services should be given a grace period to pick up passengers at Gate 5, Level 1 of KLIA2, says Malaysian e-hailing Drivers Association president Daryl Chong.
He said while additional charges were imposed to prevent drivers from waiting for customers or causing congestion at the pick-up area, it was unfair as most drivers were forced to wait longer for customers to exit the airport.
“A lot of the customers don’t book after exiting the airport. They do it while they are inside or while waiting for their luggage.
“That is why you see drivers parked longer because of the delay by the customers, so it is unfair to impose additional charges on us.
ALSO READ: Wait-time rule for e-hailing drivers meant to ease congestion
“To reduce congestion at klia2, the management could implement a 15-minute grace period, similar to the one imposed at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA),” he told The Star on Sunday (Oct 23).
In a memo issued on Thursday by operator RACG Sdn Bhd, changes were made at KLIA2 with the installation of a gantry at Level 1 whereby drivers must tap their Touch n' Go to enter the pick-up area.
An additional fee of RM2 is charged for each entry to the passenger pick-up at Gate 5.
The memo also stated that all ehailing vehicles must make a round trip again when the given time period expires, and drivers must ensure that there is at least RM20 left in their Touch n' Go card.
Following the new rule, which caused a stir among ehailing and taxi services, effective Oct 23, the management has agreed not to activate the use of the Touch ‘n Go until a comprehensive solution is achieved as part of a short-term solution.
The decision was posted by Gabungan e-hailing Malaysia activist Jose Rizal on his social media page after a meeting with the airport management team comprising Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, WCT Malls Management SB, Segi Astana SB and RA Consult Global Sdn Bhd.
“The management has given a thorough response and has invited us together with the Malaysian Muslim Consumer Association (PPIM) to discuss and exchange views on the best solution for all parties.
“Various issues and proposed solutions have been given and follow-up actions will be notified from time to time.
“For a short-term solution, the management has agreed not to activate the Touch ‘n Go automatic gate beginning today until a proper solution is achieved later,” he said.
He thanked the terminal management who had taken measures in response to complaints from ehailing drivers and consumers alike.
Meanwhile, Gabungan Teksi SeMalaysia (GTSM) president Kamarudin Mohd Hussain said it was not right for the management to impose the fee at such short notice.
“They gave us less than 24 hours. The notice was given to us the night before, and there was no meeting or engagement session held on the matter.
“This seems like another ploy to earn some money at the expense of the drivers, who are already struggling as it is. The drivers are always the victims in these situations.
“If they wanted to reduce the congestion at the airport, they should find a better way rather than ‘tax’ the drivers,” he said.
