Taxi association opposes entrapment and surveillance devices
The Macau Association of Taxis has argued against the introduction of an entrapment operation and the installation of surveillance devices in vehicles, citing concerns about stigmatizing the industry. Nevertheless, the association was in favor of introducing tougher penalties for misdemeanors, including the suspension of licenses.
The association organized a seminar where members of the taxi industry were able to express their opinions regarding government consultation on future taxi industry regulations.
Those attending the seminar all agreed that the irregularities within the industry have become increasingly severe in recent years, and that this is damaging the reputation of the industry and of Macau.
However, they argued that the introduction of an entrapment operation would stigmatize the industry and will hurt its dignity.
They also expressed opposition to proposed measures for installing cameras and voice recorders in taxis, fearing that the privacy of both drivers and passengers would be violated.
The association’s president, Wong Yin Ha, expressed the opinion that the government should instead strengthen law enforcement measures; provide the police with suitable authority; increase penalties for the violation of regulations; and suspend or terminate the licenses of repeat offenders.
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“Entrapment operation”
>>> If you don’t break the law, you can never be “trapped”.
“… citing concerns about stigmatizing the industry”
>>> The industry is already stigmatised. It has been stigmatised by the drivers’ actions in recent years.
“The association was in favor of introducing tougher penalties for misdemeanors, including the suspension of licenses.”
>>> Good!
“(Members of the taxi industry) attending the seminar all agreed that the irregularities within the industry have become increasingly severe in recent years, and that this is damaging the reputation of the industry and of Macau.”
>>> “Irregularities?” I call it lying, cheating, stealing, being rude, aggressive and violent.
“They argued that the introduction of an entrapment operation would stigmatize the industry and will hurt its dignity.”
>>> Hurt its dignity? Haha, give me a break. Any dignity that industry had was lost a long, long time ago.
“They also expressed opposition to proposed measures for installing cameras and voice recorders in taxis, fearing that the privacy of both drivers and passengers would be violated.”
>>> It’s got nothing to do with privacy. You just make it known there is a camera in the car, as is done is banks, government buildings, casinos, etc. Their concern is all about the cameras hindering the “right to cheat” many taxi drivers feel they have.
“The association’s president, Wong Yin Ha, expressed the opinion that the government should instead strengthen law enforcement measures; provide the police with suitable authority; increase penalties for the violation of regulations; and suspend or terminate the licenses of repeat offenders.”
>>> I agree with this entirely and in due course plan to extend an invitation to Mr Wong to meet.