PROTON ASKED TO PRODUCE MALAYSIAN-STYLE TAXI

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak Thursday
suggested that national car maker Proton produce a Malaysian-style taxi with
unique design that Malaysians can be proud of.

He said that the vehicle should be spacious to provide comfort to passengers
and equipped with safety features and modern technologies particularly in the
collection of fares.

"I want to suggest that Proton design and produce taxis which are spacious
and comfortable, with barriers between passengers and drivers and where fares
can be paid electronically," he said.

Najib, who is Finance Minister, was speaking at the presentation of permits
to 1,379 taxi drivers in the Klang Valley here.

"With this, we can have our own unique taxi design the way London has its
London taxi," he said.

He also suggested that the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development
Ministry explore the possibility of introducing foreign language courses to taxi
drivers.

Najib also reminded taxi drivers to continuously improve their services and
understand the needs of passengers.

He said taxi drivers could help enhance the country's image as they, and
other frontline individuals such as officers at the immigration counters and
airport workers, could influence the perception among visitors towards Malaysia.


"If the visitors have a pleasant experience in dealing with them, their
perception towards Malaysia will similarly be pleasant," he said.
-- BERNAMA