Penang airport taxi drivers are appealing to the government for petrol subsidy citing the need to cover operating costs following the increase in fuel prices.

Their representative, Anuar Mohd Noor, said about 15 per cent of 240 taxis at the airport were unable operate because of the RM1.28 hike per litre from 2005 to June 4 this year.

“We have to accept the increase because it is a global phenomenon but at the same time we want the government to sympathise with us.

“Since 2005 this was the fourth increase with too high a quantum. The situation is very critical and affects us all,” he told a press conference here today.

He said each driver lost about RM650 to RM700 per month because of the latest price increase and also the rising maintenance cost.

“We appeal to government to give us subsidies between 40 and 50 litres of petrol daily so that at least we can operate as usual,” he said.

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/NewsBreak/20080707181310/Article/index_html