Kota Kinabalu: The issue regarding the suspension of trishaw operations in the city is causing confusion among the authorities, especially City Hall which had made its stand clear when a letter of suspension was issued to the operator recently.Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir said the trishaw operator knew why they were being suspended and yet still went to the media and made it a bigger issue.
"When we approved their licence, we made it clear that they could carry on with the trishaw business provided they get the relevant licences and approval from the Road Transport Department, traffic police as well as the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB).
"I don't think they have got the licences and approval from all these agencies, hence the suspension," he said, Saturday.
In this respect, he said a meeting will be held among these agencies together with the trishaw operator and City Hall as soon as possible to discuss the pros and cons as well as to find better routes for the trishaws to commence operations if all goes well.
Abidin was responding to questions raised by reporters on the issue after officiating at the Trade, Tourism and Culture Exchange Exhibition held in conjunction with the third World Youth Congress of Jiangmen, China at Magellan Sutera, here, Saturday.
Earlier, DAP Sabah Secretary Dr Edwin Bosi had stated that the trishaws would add to the traffic congestion and voiced concern that tourists would be ripped off by the trishaw riders.
He had also questioned the trishaw operations, on whether they were licensed and safe to be on.
On Friday, the trishaw company's (Jesselton Joy Ride Sdn Bhd) Managing Director, Chai Charng Sheng, had said that they were puzzled why their services have been suspended even after approval from the City Hall.
He also would like to know how long they will have to wait until their services can commence and whether it will be stopped once and for all, just because of the complaints lodged by DAP.
