Useful tips on using Malaysian taxi services

The taxi fares in Malaysia are calculated according to meters. Effective from 19 March 2015, the taxi rate has been revised as follow:

• The flag-off fare for taxis is RM3.00 and passangers will be charged 25 cents for every 200 meters thereafter.

• For taxis caught in a traffic jam, the fare will be RM3.00 for the first 3 minutes, and 25 cents for every subsequent 36 seconds.

You can get an estimated fare here using this tool to check the taxi fare from klia2 to your location.

• Other additional charges include actual road toll charges, RM2.00 for telephone bookings, and a 50% surcharge is levied between midnight and 6.00 AM. An additional RM1.00 is charged on 3rd adult passenger (max 4) and/or baggage stored in boot.

• Passengers have the right to object if the taxi driver stops to pick up other passengers along the way.

• Outside the city, as well as in other parts of Malaysia, taxis operate on a fixed rate depending on the distance.

• The Airport limousine taxis (budget or premier) at the Malaysia Airport klia2 or KLIA operate on a prepaid coupon system. Passengers are advised to purchase the coupon at the taxi counters.

• Taxis that are operated on a pre-paid coupon system are adequate and in good condition. Fare from the airport to Kuala Lumpur (KL) city is about RM70 to RM100 (inclusive of toll charges) depending on exact location. Midnight levy of an additional 50% is applicable from 12am to 6am. Coupons can be purchased from the counter inside the arrival hall. Avoid those suspicious, whispering touts if you are a foreigner.

• To get to klia2 from the Kuala Lumpur city, flag down any cab but be prepared to negotiate. Most taxis wil quote a lump sum instead of using the meter as they claim the higher fare is to cover for the empty trip back since they are not allowed to pick up passengers in the vincinity of the airport. Best to call for a radio cab in advance. Travelling time to and from the heart of the city is about one hour when there is no traffic congestion.

• Be warned that some taxi drivers think they can also operate a low-cost carrier. They will take a "longcut" through the Nilai boondocks, scaring the daylight out of female passengers traveling alone. These cabbies (who failed mathematic) are trying to save on toll charges. Insist on taking the direct route as there is no savings in fare or time for the passenger.

• Never talk to the touts when you arrive at KLIA. There are plenty of touts that come and approach you. Excuse yourself nicely and go straight to taxi counter to buy the ticket or you can opt for KLIA express for RM35 each way.

• Never take the taxi that is waiting at the taxi stop especially at top tourist spots. Find a good spot beside of the road to stop a taxi. Taxi driver earn when they move around to pick passenger but not waiting for passenger. They are willing to wait in order to charge higher.

• Always ask the taxi driver to use the meter. If they refuse, just step out of the taxi and wait for another taxi. It is illegal to charge passenger without using the meter.

• Before travel using taxi in KL, make sure you check with your map; how far is your destination so you can estimate your journey. You don’t want the taxi driver take you in circle before send you to your destination. Rules of thumb, anywhere in KL must not exceed RM20.

• All taxi drivers are compulsory to wear clean white shirt, tug in, clean taxi and display your picture, name and taxi number in front of the passenger seat. If you find it differently, just step out and wait for another taxi.

What would be the maximum number of passengers per taxi?

For travellers with luggage, the current standard is to have two (2) passengers to a taxi. It is highly advisable for passengers to consider the number of luggage pieces they are carrying during the booking of their taxi(s). If passengers were to have two (2) or three (3) big pieces of luggage, it would be highly advisable to only have two (2) passengers in a taxi.

The taxi company has the right to decline the number of passengers in a taxi if it the driver finds the number of passengers to be in violation of the conditions of carriage of Taxi services.

Make a complaint

If you feel you have not been treated fairly by the taxi driver or taxi company, please contact SPAD (Suruhanjaya Pengangkutan Awam Darat) immediately. There is a SPAD office at the klia2’s Transporation Hub.

Channels to make a complaint are as follows:

• For complaints that can be resolved immediately, SPAD will notify the complainant after action is taken
• The time taken for investigation may vary according to cases
• Depending on severity, the process of the case may take less than 30 days
• Source: www.spad.gov.my

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