Not fair to stereotype taxi drivers

THE unfair labelling of taxi drivers by a junior politician refers.
But with the passing of the Land Public Transport (Amendment) Bill 2017 and the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board Act (Amendment) Bill 2017 in August, e-hailing service had been regulated.
However, it has yet to be gazetted and many e-hailing operators have applied for the Intermediate Business Licence with the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD).
Although enforcement agencies no longer take action against Uber and Grab drivers, the service remains a grey area, particularly on motor insurance.
Until the terms of the standard motor insurance policy is changed, private cars cannot be used for hire or reward.
In the event of accidents, the vehicles are not insured for own damage claims even if covered under comprehensive insurance.
But more importantly, they are not covered for third party injuries as required by law. Needless to say, the drivers are not insured for passenger liability.
As such, injured passengers may sue the driver at fault but would not get a single sen from the motor insurance company. Also, it is pointless to sue a driver with little money or asset.
Passenger liability cover is automatically included in all public service vehicles, such as buses and taxis.
But for limousine taxis, an additional RM78 premium is payable to cover four passengers, and premium for passenger risk cover for vehicles licensed under "Hire & Drive" is RM240 for four passengers annually.
To date, insurance companies have yet to announce a special tariff for private vehicles used for carrying fare paying passengers, including legal liability to passengers.
Critics should not stereotype taxi drivers. Just like politicians, not all taxi drivers are bad. I too was a taxi driver, and many of my Arab passengers called me a good man.
While stereotyping is a common practice, those who wish to discuss or make public comments should not make sweeping statements.
Most do not realise that whatever they say about other people are more of a reflection of themselves. Only those with self-respect are capable of respecting others.
Those who are condescending are also fond of patronising the rich and powerful for personal gain. It is a normal behaviour practised by many people, particularly politicians.
CY Ming
Ampang