KUCHING: The Sarawak Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP Sarawak) is proposing a series of regulatory improvements to strengthen and modernise the state’s taxi industry.
LPKP Sarawak chairman Michael Kong Feng Nian said the discussions focused on policy adjustments aimed at improving operational efficiency, enhancing service quality and ensuring regulations remain relevant to current industry needs.
One of the key proposals is to remove the requirement for taxi drivers aged above 65 to register a secondary driver.
Under the current regulation, many drivers register their children as secondary drivers merely to comply with the rule, even though they do not actually operate the taxis.
Moving forward, Kong said licence renewal would instead be based on the driver holding a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence.
“As PSV licence holders are already certified to be medically fit, this change removes an unnecessary administrative burden while maintaining safety standards,” he said in a statement following a meeting with taxi associations and operators from across Sarawak recently.
Another proposed improvement is to allow companies to apply for taxi licences, a move aimed at encouraging greater private sector investment and the development of professionally managed taxi fleets.
Kong said the initiative is in line with models adopted in countries such as Singapore and could help raise professionalism and efficiency within Sarawak’s taxi sector.
During the meeting, the importance of proper use of digital meters was also emphasised, as transparent fare systems are essential to boosting public confidence in taxi services.
“This is especially important as Sarawak prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026 and anticipates an increase in visitor arrivals,” he said.
Taxi operators also raised several operational concerns, including traffic flow management at airports throughout Sarawak.
Kong said LPKP Sarawak takes these concerns seriously and will arrange further discussions with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) to explore practical solutions that benefit both industry players and the travelling public.
He reiterated that LPKP Sarawak remains committed to balancing the welfare of taxi operators with public safety and service quality, while ensuring policies are responsive to the evolving needs of the industry.
