Photo Of E-Hailing Driver Charging RM30 Extra For Aircon Angers Malaysians
"This is absurd! Charging for air-conditioning? What's next, a fee for seatbelts?" one user wrote.
By Sadho Ram — 19 Nov 2024, 03:15 PM
A photo showing a notice hanging inside an e-hailing vehicle charging passengers up to RM30 for air-conditioning has gone viral
The image, posted on X, formerly Twitter, features a handwritten sign hung behind the driver's seat.
The makeshift notice informs passengers that there will be additional charges if they want the air-conditioning turned on. The sign details a tiered pricing scheme based on fan speed.
"Additional charge aircon (if you want switch it ON).
Aircon fan speed:
1 - RM20 (6-seater free),
2 - RM25,
3 - RM30."
It also mentions that "basic air conditioning" — which is believed to include two electronic fans attached to the front passenger's sun visor with zip ties — will be provided for passengers seated in the front.
The post, shared on 17 November, quickly gained traction, amassing over 935,000 views, 4,500 reposts, and hundreds of replies
It has also sparked outrage among Malaysians online.
"This is unethical and downright ridiculous. Isn't air-conditioning supposed to be part of the service?" commented one user.
"As a former part-time e-hailing driver, I totally get why some drivers feel frustrated. I stopped driving because it simply wasn't worth the time, money, and energy anymore. But let's be clear — overcharging customers isn't the way to handle it," replied another.
Among the replies was a sarcastic comment suggesting a new rating-based pricing model.
"1 star RM20, 2 stars RM30, 3 stars RM40, 4 stars RM50, 5 stars RM60. Might as well cover the fare too," joked one user, referencing the platform's star-rating system for drivers.
The remark was met with both laughter and agreement, as others criticised the absurdity of the extra charges.
"This is absurd! Charging for air-conditioning? What's next, a fee for seatbelts?" one user wrote.
Others called on the popular local e-hailing company to investigate the incident.
"This kind of behaviour tarnishes the reputation of the entire industry," another user added.
As of now, the e-hailing company has yet to respond to the viral post.
