Some 200 cab drivers took over the Esplanade in George Town on Wednesday for a four-hour protest as a final plea to the Federal Government against legalising cab-hailing apps in the country.
According to a report by The Star Online, the protest at the Esplanade lasted from 10am to noon. They then reportedly formed a convoy, and drove from the Esplanade to Komtar, the Penang International Airport, Eastin Hotel and to the Sungai Nibong bus terminal.
Penang Taxi Associate Association secretary Mohamad Shahimi Hadzri told the news portal that they want Prime Minister Najib Razak to intervene or the taxi industry would collapse.
“We ask that the Government take our plight into consideration.
“Our income has gone down 70% since Uber and GrabCar started operating in Penang. The Government needs to remember that we are also voters here in Penang.
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“Taxi drivers used to earn over RM200 a day but now, we barely earn RM50 a day. How can we survive like this?” he was quoted as saying.
Mohamad Shahimi also the The Star that the association will lodge a police report soon.
“We will also be filing a police report similar to the one filed by the Kuala Lumpur Taxi Association against Uber and GrabCar as well as another police report against former minister Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar for his stint as an Uber driver.”
