Taxi drivers protesting against ride-sharing services successfully trapped a GrabCar driver by luring him into the middle of their rally outside the Land Public Transport Department office. The unsuspecting driver was subsequently arrested by SPAD, although it appears no charges have been filed yet.
Cabbie Jay Rohezan set the trap by using the GrabCar app to call for a ride. He told reporters, “I just booked this guy to see if he comes to SPAD headquarters or not. See these private hire vehicles, they are so daring already.”
The unsuspecting GrabCar driver was set upon by some 30 cabbies as soon as he pulled up to the SPAD office. Police and security officials eventually broke up the crowd, but also arrested the driver. A SPAD official drove off with the unidentified GrabCar driver, but it is unknown as to where he was taken.
“They told us that they are going to bring him to the depot or main headquarters and process him. Hopefully, they take a stern action,” Jay explained.
Malaysian taxi drivers have been holding a series of protests against ride-sharing apps as they say it hurts their earnings. These drivers have been demanding that SPAD step up enforcement against drivers using these apps to earn money, as well as exempt taxi drivers from taxi related products.
GrabCar itself is not an illegal service; however, SPAD has clarified that drivers who want to drive for the service must have a Public Service Vehicle license.
[Source: The Malay Mail]
