Photo credit: konstantin.tilikin / Source / CC BY

Those who regularly take the budget taxis will have felt the impact of the recent steep rise in taxi fares. While the flag fall remains at RM3.00, the time and mileage charges have been increased substantially. After the initial kilometre, the mileage charge is now RM1.25 per km, and time spent idling in jams is accrued at RM0.25 per 36 seconds. This contributes to a significant increase in fares.

Taxi fares in Malaysia have always been low compared to most other countries but the overall taxi service has been the subject of much criticism by locals, expats and tourists mainly because of the actions of some taxi drivers who refuse to use the metre or find other ways to cheat customers.

It is hoped the higher fares will result in improved service and those drivers who chose to supplement low fares by cheating passengers decide to end the practice. It will require even more effective enforcement of the rules to ensure the country fixes the very negative image that taxis have earned.

Many expats are now using the popular MyTeksi app which ensures you do not get ripped off when taking a taxi. We plan to do another taxi survey in a few months to see if expats are finding any improvement in the service.

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