Following the success of scrapping over 81,000 old taxis since the initiative’s inception in October 2006, the Department of Transport says it plans to scrap a further 3,750 taxis this year.

“The Taxi Recapitalisation Programme (TRP) continues to make significant strides in changing the face of the taxi industry—away from what was normally referred to as moving coffin taxi vehicles, which characterised the face of the industry to modern day safer taxi vehicles,” the department stated.

Introduced through the TRP, most taxis now include safety belts and rollover bars; amongst other safety features; which now meet all safety standards.

The initiative coincides with government efforts to formalise the taxi and public transportation industries. According to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), 80% of public transportation is through minibus taxis.

The DPWI says that minibus taxis will require an upgrade in order to keep up with emerging modern technologies.

Darul Ihsan Media Desk