WE have been visiting Malaysia since our children were born in the late 1980s. A recent visit has prompted us to write this letter.

Over the years, we have seen how Kuala Lumpur has grown. We love the way the city lights up at night. But what has happened to the good old taxi service?

We noticed that the service began deteriorating a few years ago. Back then, you hailed a taxi, got in, stated your destination, the meter clicked and you were on your way. Today, you have to chat up the taxi driver before he decides whether your destination suits him. Forget about meter use and expect exorbitant fares.

The excuse taxi drivers usually make is “jam everywhere”, no matter what time of the day it is. And rainy days mean an extra charge as well.

Then there are the arrogant drivers who hang out at hotels and shopping plazas. If they had their thinking caps on, they would have noticed that most tourists walk right past them as they already know of their scams.

We dread having to catch a taxi in the city. It saddens us to see these drivers tarnishing Malaysia’s image.

But at the same time, we would like to say terima kasih to those drivers who provide the “Good Old Taxi Service” — it makes the day much nicer.

CHRIS and DONASingapore

Source: NST – August 26, 2008