Malaysia introduces 'taxis for women, driven by women'

Malaysia, Nov 27: Malaysia"s Women, Family and Community Development Ministry says that it has launched taxis specially for women to ensure safety and convenience for female passengers.

“These taxis will be driven by female drivers and will be welcomed by women who are travelling alone or with children and senior citizensminister," Heng Seai Kie said Saturday, as quoted by The Star.

He said that three taxi firms had joined in the program, but hoped that more companies would follow suit.

Heng also hoped the program could empower women, urging them to work as drivers of these special taxis.

“At the moment we have 50 women taxi drivers and we encourage more women to come forward, especially single mothers, housewives and retiree," she said, adding that working as drivers would allow flexible working hours.

According to Heng, the program was launched as an effort to reduce violence against women in Malaysia, where about 10 women per day become victims of violence.

PTI