By Ili Liyana Mokhtar

KUALA LUMPUR,Malaysia: The 839 taxis that failed the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom) inspections will not be able to charge the new fares that were introduced on Aug 1.

Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) chairman Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique said they could apply for a review of the decision.

"In the meantime, they will have to charge passengers the old rate until we ascertain the reasons for their vehicles failing the test."

She said a report was being compiled on the matter with results to be announced next week.

"It could be due to technical problems or problems with the recalibrated meters," she said after launching the new reactivated CVLB hotline and SMS alert system.

Of the 30,000 taxis nationwide, 13,169 have been inspected by Puspakom with 12,330 passing inspection.

Under the new fare schedule, passengers have to pay RM3 at flag fall instead of RM2 and a rate of 10 sen for every 115m.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz, who was also present, said the reactivation of the CVLB hotline and SMS system would make it easier for the public to lodge complaints against taxi drivers.

"Complaints must include, among others, the plate number of the vehicle, location and the time of the incident."

The hotline (1-800-88-9600) and SMS number (15888) will be displayed on the back of all 300,000 commercial vehicles in Peninsular Malaysia. -NST