Complain numbers in Malaysia

Okay - traffic is a huge problem in Kuala Lumpur, and there were some really bad accidents over the last couple of months. In reaction, the government ruled a longer while back that it is possible for the public to complain about speeding taxis, lorries and buses - a quick SMS to 39900 should do it.

I tried it this morning - a lorry was driving like crazy, swaying in and out of the traffic, speeding and cutting lanes.

Send the SMS and an auto-reply inquired about number plate, the location of the incidence, and the time. I am happy about it. Of course, there is the possibility of abuse - disgruntled drivers who just shoot off an SMS to get on to something. Or, since "getting involved" is a new concept in Malaysia, may be no one actually uses the service? Or, that actually nothing might happen. Too little awareness of the public and not much of a communication from the initiating department of what is happening to drivers who have been "indicated".

I don't know. I tried it and let's see, if something is happening. I don't think I will get a response - this is different in Singapore. Once you complain here about a taxi driver, for example, the authorities call and inquire in detail about the incidence and what kind of "punishment" should be applied. And if you as a guest have been very upset with the driver, you might actually ask that the taxi driver gets the license revoked.