As many as 300 taxi drivers today protested outside Suria KLCC shopping centre over the denial of their right to pick up passengers in front of the shopping centre.

NONEThe peaceful protest took place in front of the shopping centre’s main entrance at Jalan Ampang.

According to Komunitikini, it appears that taxi drivers without a special permit from the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) are no longer allowed to enter the premises to pick up passengers.

Only passenger drop offs are being allowed.

The permit to pick up passengers from the premises has allegedly been given to Syarikat Awana Tour & Services, that runs an airport taxi and limo service.

Roughed up for breach

In relation to the protest, two drivers have claimed that they had suffered abuse for refusing to comply with the new restrictions.

NONECabbie Mohd Razid bin Khalid claimed he was beaten up early this month for picking up a passenger without a permit.

“I was beaten up because I was picking up a passenger in front of KLCC. And as a result, I needed about 17 stitches for my head injury,” he said.

Another taxi driver claimed he had suffered damage to his vehicle when he was allegedly attacked by an unidentified man while trying to pick up passengers at the same premises.   

Both have lodged police reports over their respective incidences.

Meanwhile today's protest lasted about an hour, and no untoward incident was reported.

Read the complete report at Komunitikini.