Don’t take law into your own hands, Syed Hamid tells cabbies

KUALA LUMPUR: The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) has advised taxi drivers not to take the law into their own hands and create problems for Uber users.
Its chairman, Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar (pix), said the commission is working towards the best solution to resolve the spat between taxi drivers and Uber.
"As Malaysians who are known for being a peaceful and harmonious race, we should not take matters into our own hands," Syed Hamid told reporters after attending a buka puasa event held by SPAD at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club here.
"That incident involves tourists and it has given the nation a bad name," he said referring to the attack on a Uber driver and passengers on Monday that left a female Iranian tourist injured at KL Sentral.
He stressed that the government is interested in legalising Uber, and the commission is working to find the best solution to provide a fair return to both taxi and Uber drivers.
"They are interested in this, many countries have introduced this IT-based service, we must compete, we cannot be left out," he said.
Syed Hamid added SPAD does not want to make presumptions and will only take action against the taxi drivers if they are found guilty.
"We will wait and see. We will hear from the police before we take any action, whether it's suspending the drivers or revoking their licences."
Syed Hamid also advised Uber drivers not to advertise their services too much to avoid more tensions before Uber is legalised.
"Don't go 'oh I was a Uber driver today' and boast about your services. Before their applications are approved, Uber and Grab should keep a low profile. We cannot stop them (Uber drivers), but I advise them not to go boasting about their services," Syed Hamid said.
Last week, former minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar turned Uber driver for three days.
His exploits received wide coverage on social media.
Abdul Wahid had apparently signed up to become a Uber driver to "try to feel the pulse of the public".