WE often hear complaints about unscrupulous taxi drivers who do not use the meter and overcharge visitors to Kuala Lumpur.

One of the reasons is that the flag-fall rate is too low and an increase is surely justified.

On this occasion, however, I want to express my shock at the “official” rates levied at KL Sentral station.

My wife and I returned from overseas and caught the KLIA Express to the city, but when we followed the signs and went to book a taxi (from KL Sentral to Bangsar), we had the choice of a “premier” cab at RM40 or a “budget” taxi at RM12 — this for a trip that normally would cost a maximum of RM5 with a little extra for luggage.

Who, may I ask, is exploiting our visitors? Is this “Malaysia truly Asia”?

If the “official” cab service can charge such exorbitant prices, can we blame the ordinary taxi drivers for having a minimum charge of RM15 from KLCC to Bukit Bintang?

Source: NST – October 7, 2008