Taxi groups: Even RM157.20 a year is a burden for many
PETALING JAYA: While the Socso contribution for cabbies may be as low as RM157.20 a year, this is still a financial strain for many, say taxi groups.
Association of Drivers of Taxis, Hire Cars and Premium Executive Limousines president Zailani Isaisuludin said this was because they were already facing a hard time making ends meet.
“They face stiff competition from e-hailing drivers,” he said, suggesting that cabbies be given subsidies.
“It may be hard on the federal government to give subsidies to cabbies in all states.
“But if it is split according to state, then this would be easier,” he said, adding that taxi drivers generally welcomed the move to get them to register and contribute to Socso.
“We have long lobbied for Socso protection so that we can be on par with workers in other industries.
“It would ensure that those who meet with accidents in the workplace will be protected and if there is any death, their families will be compensated,” he said.
Big Blue Taxi Facilities Sdn Bhd founder Datuk Shamsubahrin Ismail said he supported the idea of making Socso protection compulsory for all cabbies and e-hailing drivers.
However, he said besides Socso, it would only be fair for the government to subject e-hailing drivers to other regulations that taxi drivers now had to comply with as well.
This, he said, included having a Public Service Vehicle licence and paying insurance.
“This Socso contribution is good for taxi drivers, but our daily expenses will go up a little. It does affect drivers as many are not earning enough,” Shamsubahrin added.
E-hailing driver Mohd Khairy Fadzul, 27, said he was looking forward to making his Socso contribution.
“The cost is not too much as there are packages that we can choose according to our ability to pay,” said Mohd Khairy, who became a driver this year.
The contribution is between RM157.20 and RM592.80 per year and the coverage depends on the scale the drivers choose.