ROW OVER ‘PIRATE TAXIS’

ROW OVER ‘PIRATE TAXIS’ On 8th September 2009 in Keningau Sabah a JKKK chairman and village chief Kampung Mampokan have been accused of operating pirate taxis and more than 20 illegal operators including illegal immigrants and IMM13 holders who are operating from the terminal (pictured right) meant for the Upper Interior Sook Public Transport Operator’ Association.The claim was made by the association’s chairman Jupiri Bin Barahim.
“This has severely affected the income of the association members who are licensed to operate the service,” he lamented yesterday.
“These pirate taxi operators have no respect for us and the law and they appear to have already controlled the terminal which is meant only for our members,” Jupiri further claimed.
According to him, these pirate taxi drivers would offer lower fares to attract passengers.For instance, association members charge RM8 per passenger for a trip from Keningau to Terusmadi but the illegal operators only charged RM6.
“We are unable to compete,” he said.
Jupiri also claimed that the illegal pirate taxi operators were impolite and their behaviour had often resulted in quarrels between them and the association members.Jupiri also claimed they have reported this long-standing problem to the authorities concerned but no action was taken so far.A member of the association said: “The mater has been reported to JPJ (Road Transport Department) and the police…but nothing has been done.”Another association member who did not wish to be quoted claimed that illegal immigrants and holders of the IMM13 document were among the illegal taxi drivers.
“The authorities must look into this matter seriously,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, a New Sabah Times survey at the terminal showed that the association members were outnumbered by the pirate taxi operators.

HERYANTI BINTI KAMAN
RKA
FEC09010157