Penang cabbies to get RM600 each

GEORGE TOWN (Feb 2, 2014): Taxi drivers on the island and mainland Penang have every reason to smile as they will receive RM600 cash incentive from the state government this year.
"Taxi drivers are important to the state tourism industry's growth. In conjunction with the Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Puasa festivals, taxi driver will receive RM300 cash incentive on each celebration," Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said after presenting RM300 cash incentive to 1,556 taxi drivers in Komtar today.
Lim said another RM300 will be given to the drivers during the Hari Raya Puasa festival later his year.
Federation of Penang Taxi and Hired Car Drivers chairman Abdul Malek Darus who praised the state government's effort to allocate incentive for the taxi drivers said there will be up to 70% hike in metre rates for the taxi and hired car drivers on island.
However, Malek said the fares will still be much lower than the current rate.
"A taxi ride from Komtar to Bayan Lepas would cost around RM20 but when the metre is used the fees will be RM15. The rates would be better for both drivers and public as there would not be haggling over the cost, " he said.
Later on, Lim in his visit to the Church of the Assumption in Lebuh Farquhar thanked the police for keeping an eye on places of worship in the state.
He lauded the force for safeguarding the safety and peaceful environment following an attempted arson attack last week.