Mixed reaction to Uber service in Sabah

 By Olivia Miwil
olivia@nst.com.my

KOTA KINABALU: About a month since it was introduced in Sabah, the Uber ride sharing service is picking up a steady flow of followers and detractors.


 The service was a hit among people who wanted to avoid the congestion during the State Level Pesta Kaamatan celebration in Penampang from May 30-31.


 According to a Uber driver who identified himself as James, most of his passengers so far are locals and their destinations are to congested areas.


 “Their pick up points are areas where the parking is free, secured while their destinations are where events are being held or popular hangouts like the city water front, Gaya Street Sunday Fair and the Tanjung Aru beach.


 “Most of the time I would oblige a return trip for the same fee on a fixed time,” said the retiree who explained bookings made via Uber were one way.


Raechel Peter, 23, who recently graduated said the service has helped her move around at a much cheaper rate compared to taxis and to areas not reachable by bus.


Tourism industry players however are not so impressed with the service, claiming it deprives the income of those who earn their living legitimately.


 Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) inbound vice president Datuk KL Tan had said Uber service is harming the  the tourism industry and transportation service.


Uber drivers are depriving those who run their services legally, a problem the tourism industry also face among “white van” operators – people who rent their vehicles or pick up tourists without ant valid tour licence.


Another problem faced by the authorities are illegal taxis or pirate taxis or kereta sapu all over the state, operating on routes where legal transport service are still lacking.


A taxi driver Jumiran Riman, 60, said he has no qualms with people who run Uber service vehicles but admitted he knows little how the service works.



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