KUCHING: A new designated waiting area for taxis will soon be introduced at Kuching International Airport (KIA) as part of a wider initiative to ease traffic congestion and improve the overall travel experience for commuters.
The move was announced following a meeting today between the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) Sarawak, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), and several taxi associations in Kuching.
LPKP Sarawak Chairman, Michael Kong Feng Nian, said the initiative is a key outcome of collaborative efforts to streamline traffic management at the airport and surrounding areas.
The plan will also include a separate waiting area for e-hailing vehicles to better regulate the flow of both transport services.
“This new arrangement is expected to reduce congestion significantly and provide a more organised system that benefits both taxi users and e-hailing passengers,” he said in a statement.
Kong said the meeting also discussed broader strategies to revitalise the local taxi industry, which has faced stiff competition from e-hailing platforms in recent years.
“While e-hailing services are widely used, there remains a group of passengers who continue to rely on taxis, especially for immediate rides and in areas with limited mobile connectivity,” he noted.
To restore public confidence in taxi services, Kong said LPKP Sarawak would ramp up enforcement of existing regulations, particularly the mandatory use of fare metres, an issue where non-compliance has been common.
To reduce costs and encourage compliance, a new initiative will allow taxi drivers to use digital metering functions via e-hailing apps, eliminating the need for costly physical metres while enhancing fare transparency.
“The integration with e-hailing platforms also allows taxi drivers to reach a wider customer base and modernise their services,” Kong added.
He acknowledged that some operators had initial concerns but expressed gratitude for their openness to collaborate and improve industry standards.
“There was a general acceptance that greater transparency and service improvements are necessary. We commend the taxi operators for their willingness to work together with us,” he said.
