KUALA LUMPUR : The rise of illegal foreign transport services in Johor Baru is jeopardising local taxi drivers' livelihoods and passenger safety.
Kosmo!, in its front page report today said unlicensed operators from Singapore are exploiting the market, offering rides in multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) such as the Toyota Alphard, Toyota Vellfire, Hyundai Staria and Hyundai Grand Starex.
These rogue services, often run by syndicates or individuals, undercut licensed taxi fares by up to 30 per cent, saving passengers between RM50 and RM200 on one-way trips.
Reports indicate a surge in these illegal operations since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sources told the Malay daily that these operators primarily target foreign tourists and Singaporeans travelling to Johor and beyond, utilising social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, WeChat and Telegram for bookings.
"These operators offer transport services without the necessary permits in either Malaysia or Singapore," a source said.
Once bookings are made, the illegal drivers fetch their passengers from their accommodations and transport them to popular tourist attractions across Peninsular Malaysia.
A recent social media investigation by Kosmo! highlighted the pricing strategies of these unlicensed providers.
A one-way trip from Singapore to Johor Baru costs S$200 (RM651). Trips to places further away like a Singapore to Desaru, Kota Tinggi, Melaka, and Genting Highlands, range from S$300 to S$600 (RM976.56 to RM1,953.17). From Johor Baru to these locations, prices are between S$200 and SG$500 (RM651 to RM1,627.64) for one-way journeys.
Local taxi drivers are increasingly vocal about the detrimental impact of these illegal services on their income and safety. Many of them have experienced significant loses in income due to the influx of unlicensed taxis using luxury vehicles.
Mazlan Ali, a 56-year-old taxi driver, said that illegal taxis made competition more challenging.
"They operate unlawfully, seeming 'untouchable' by the law, and often act like bullies,' he said.
Kasturi Abdul Rahman, 57, another taxi driver with over 20 years of experience, echoed these concerns, noting the reckless driving habits of illegal operators.
"They transport passengers without permits and drive dangerously. If an accident occurs, we're concerned they might evade responsibility, tarnishing our industry's reputation," he said.
He urged the authorities to take the issue of illegal taxi operations seriously and conduct regular operations to enforce the law against those blatantly violating regulations.
"The relevant authorities must act decisively against these illegal operators to protect our livelihoods and ensure public safety," he added.