The recent rape of an American tourist by a taxi driver has highlighted the need for the authorities in vetting taxi drivers, said Gerakan central committee member Dr Cheah Soon Hai.

 

NONE In a press release today, Cheah ( right ) said there are an increasing number of reports of taxi drivers committing crimes against passengers and this would have a negative impact on the cab industry.

 

"This time it has taken for a worse turn where a foreigner is being raped. It is a total disgrace to the nation in the eyes of foreigners," he said.

 

He warned that should this negative perception against the cab industry not change, genuine taxi drivers would be affected as well.

 

In view of this, Cheah said that the Land Public Transport Commission (Spad) should re-evaluate the cab rental system to safeguard passenger safety.

 

"I wish to also suggest that upon apprehending these so-called taxi drivers, their driving licences should be cancelled and their names blacklisted to prevent them from renting cabs again," he said.

 

Cheah was commenting on the robbery and abduction of a 24-year-old American woman by two suspects posing as taxi drivers.

 

The woman managed to escape and lodged a police report. One suspect was later arrested and is being investigated for raping the woman.

 

According to Kuala Lumpur CID chief Ku Chin Wah, the two suspects were believed to be part of a gang specialising in abducting women travelling alone.

 

Although several members of the gang have been arrested, there are still some at large.