TAXI drivers are the little ambassadors of Kuala Lumpur, KL mayor Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan said at the launch of the Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign and the Hospitable Kuala Lumpur Taxi Driver course.
The event was held at the Kuala Lumpur Tower with some 120 taxi drivers taking part.
"I believe that KL taxi drivers are the frontliners who reflect the image of the city and its people to tourists," Hakim said.
Hakim also said the Kuala Lumpur City Hall had received 1,233 complaints on taxis from January to June.
The course was the sixth of eight and some 430 taxi drivers have attended the sessions, which began on May 26.
"This a great course for taxi drivers to improve their development and I believe its a good investment by the Kuala Lumpur Tourism Action Council (TAC)," he said.
To add a little difference to the course, the TCA has organised it at various tourist spots in Kuala Lumpur.
The organisers have done this to help the taxi drivers familiarise themselves with the amenities and what the tourist spots have to offer.
Last year, Malaysia attracted 20.9 million tourists and this year the number is expected to be about 14 million.
The one-day course has four modules - the essentials of courteous driving, what customers expect, the best way to treat customers and conflict and stress management.
"I hope that with the strategic locations, good lecturers and well-chosen modules, the course will help us produce world-class taxi drivers," Hakim added.
The event was jointly organised by the Kuala Lumpur Tourism Action Council, City Hall and various Taxi associations from Kuala Lumpur.
