MOBILE TELEPHONES FOR TAXIS

Mr Lew Syn Pau asked the Minister for Communications and Information if he will consider allowing taxis to install mobile telephones for use by commuters.

Dr Yeo Ning Hong: Sir, my Ministry will allow taxis to install mobile phones for use by commuters. This will be in line with the Government's objective to liberalize the taxi industry and to help improve the quality of taxi service to commuters.

However, the use of the telephone by drivers whilst driving can be hazardous both to the drivers as well as to other road users. For this reason, I would urge the taxi companies to set up their own rules and conditions to discourage their drivers from using the telephones whilst driving and when carrying commuters. Likewise, I would also like to urge all motorists to refrain from using the telephone and driving at the same time. In the process they may save a minute or two but they may lose a life.