Frustrated by Unfair Competition
For nearly 15 years, an issue of illegal taxis at Kuching International Airport (KIA) has been a thorn in the side of airport authorities and legitimate taxi drivers. This long-standing problem involves unauthorised taxi operators picking up passengers at the airport, bypassing official channels and regulations.
Malaysia Airports Berhad (MAB), the authority managing Kuching International Airport, has acknowledged this ongoing challenge but has yet to find a definitive solution. Despite multiple efforts and ongoing discussions, the issue remains unresolved. The persistence of illegal taxi services at the airport reflects difficulties in enforcement and coordination among relevant agencies tasked with maintaining order and legal compliance in airport transportation services.
The taxi drivers have voiced their concerns to the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB), Road Transport Department, and made several police reports, but to no avail. The company operating the illegal taxis had originally been granted a license to operate four limousine taxis at KIA, but has since mobilised self-driven rental vehicles to operate as taxis instead.
Taxi associations in Kuching have grown increasingly frustrated with the situation. They recently held a joint press conference to air their grievances, demanding an immediate stop to the illegal taxis operating at KIA. The associations also want Swakkon Ent. Sdn Bhd as the exclusive Taxi Coupon operator at KIA.
Phillip Anyan, chairman of Bumi Kenyalang Taxi Association, expressed his concern about the safety of passengers due to the untrained drivers of the illegal taxis. He also stated that the taxi drivers are upset about the 15-year-long issue with no action from authorities. The presence of the illegal taxis has drastically reduced the income of legal taxi drivers, and they are being robbed in broad daylight by these unauthorised operators.
The existence of two taxi coupon counters at the airport confuses customers, adding to the chaos. The illegal taxis are operating through a coupon system similar to the one used by legal taxis at the airport. There are now approximately 20 such vehicles operating as illegal taxis through this company at the airport.
As of now, MAB has remained silent on the taxi drivers' demands for an explanation as to why the illegal taxis have been allowed to operate at the airport. With approximately 600 taxi drivers in Kuching alone, the impact of this issue on the local taxi industry is significant.
The situation at Kuching International Airport remains a significant and enduring problem affecting airport operations and passenger safety. Further updates may require direct inquiry or official releases from the airport authority.
- The illegal taxis at Kuching International Airport (KIA) are disrupting not only the airport's operations but also the local finance sector, as the presence of unauthorized taxi services negatively impacts legitimate taxi drivers' income in the transportation industry.
- As Malaysia Airports Berhad (MAB) and the relevant authorities continue their discussions on resolving the issue of illegal taxis at KIA, there is a pressing need for increased coordination and enforcement among them to ensure the safety of passengers and the financial stability of the legal taxi business.