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Taxis and Malaysia Tourism Industry

Posted in Daily Observations |

My hometown cousin who came over to visit me in Kuala Lumpur decided to take a taxi ride from the Pudu bus station to the nearest Putra LRT station.

“How much from here to Masjid Jamek LRT Station?” my cousin asked.

“RM 20,” replied the cabbie.

“It’s okay then…” my cousin said.

“How much you want?,” the cabbie asked, not about to let my cousin off, “What about RM 15, deal?”

My cousin shook his head and decided to walk on foot to the LRT station.

*****

I have not actually measured the distance, but I would say Masjid Jamek LRT Station is more less 1 km from the Pudu bus station.

And these taxi drivers are charging RM 20 for that trip. My cousin’s a Malaysian, and I cannot imagine how much they would charge a visiting tourist.

They are not just killing off their own rice bowls, but everyone else’s whose lifeline depends on these tourists’ spendings. Tourists are seeing the ugliest side of Malaysians from the rear view mirrors of these notorious taxi drivers.

This is one of the reasons why I’ve always opted for the public buses, instead of hailing a private cab, even if I have to wait 15-20 minutes extra.




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  • True it is annoying. True some taxis are in for a quick buck and don't care what you may think afterward. But having used taxis daily for many years those are exeptions. Most are neutral and some are even very nice. I once came in a taxi where we discussed french politics for 20mn - a very enjoyable experience.

    Unfortunately we remember them because they are bad experiences and make us loose time. My answer to them is to leave their taxi door open while i walk away - then they at least have to work a little to close it - they don't like it !
  • Heh, that's surely one good way to irritate them!

    Although I agree there are many nice taxi drivers around, but until the taxi companies start controlling their drivers' quality, these taxi drivers will ensure that Malaysia will be remembered as a country populated with opportunistic citizens.
  • Pin
    I have few trips taken Taxi from LCCT, so far 50/50. You get good one who talk to you and send you to the front door. You can quite easily someone who drop you half way rudely! I decided to not take Taxi, even a wave down car could be a lot better...
  • Max Ee
    It is a cultural issue. The opportunistic citizens - from the top top down to taxi drivers. How to change?
  • I have not actually measured the distance, but I would say Masjid Jamek LRT Station is more less 1 km from the Pudu bus station
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