Malaysian Cab in London

The next time you hail a Black Cab in London, don’t be surprised if the driver greets you with “Selamat datang”. You may have bumped into David Chan Phong Mun, 45, one of the handful of Malaysians out of the estimated 25,000 Black Cab drivers in London!

The former Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TARC) student not only drives the £34,000 (RM238,000) 2.4cc, five-seater limousine – which is as famous as London’s double-decker buses and Underground Tube trains – he also owns it. Touted as one of the world’s most popular taxis, the purpose-built distinctive cab comes equipped with a ramp for wheelchair passengers as well as special grips for the blind and the elderly.

But getting behind the wheel of the Black Cab is not as easy as it seems.

David Chan, one of the handful of Malaysian Black Cab drivers in London. Said Chan: “It took me nearly three years to obtain the green badge that allows me to carry passengers anywhere in London.” Indeed, Chan has likened the sitting of the series of tests for the badge as “even more stressful than getting a university degree.”

“Apart from the 400 fixed routes in London, you have also to remember every street, lane and each of the over 1,000 pubs, bars and restaurants in central London alone. “And London keeps changing, which makes it even more difficult. You can’t sleep the day before the test; you’re like a convict facing the gallows,” he added. But it’s worth the effort as Chan can finally be his own boss after getting his own Black Cab and badge in 2002.

“You can earn good money and enjoy freedom at the same time.

“If you’re hardworking, you can earn between £6,000 and £8,000 a month (RM42,000 and RM56,000), which is even higher than what some professionals, such as doctors, earn,” he smiled. For many drivers, it’s sheer hard work as they normally drive between 12 and 14 hours a day, seven days a week, subscribing to the belief that one should make hay while the sun shines.

A typical day in the afternoon shift begins around noon and ends about midnight or even 2am, depending whether the driver gets enough sleep. The Black Cab’s fares can be pretty intimidating, with a boarding rate of £2.20 (RM15.40) and rising thereafter by time or distance. Thus, an average fare per hour can come up to about £20 to £22 (RM140 and RM154; 6am-8pm); £27 to £30 (RM189 to RM210; 8pm-10pm) and £40 to £50 (RM280 to RM350; 10pm-6am). Lucrative it may seemed, many drivers have had their fair share of unpleasant encounters – robberies, verbal abuse from passengers stuck in traffic jams and drunkards as well as decent-looking people who walk off without paying.

“You win some, you lose some,” said Chan as a matter-of-factly.

For the Segamat-born Chan, his life has come full circle – from the time he finished his studies at Segamat High School in Johor to pursuing his A-levels at TARC in Kuala Lumpur in 1976. After working nine months as a croupier in Genting Highlands, he decided to head for England in 1979 at the age of 19.

Upon arriving at Heathrow Airport, he had an embarrassing incident which he remembers to this day. “While taking the train from Heathrow to Liverpool Street station, I panicked when I could not find the bell to press for the train to stop,” he laughed. That was his first time travelling in the underground train and nobody told him what to expect. It took Chan nearly one whole day to reach his sister’s house in Romford, Essex – a journey which normally takes an hour.

Determined to improve himself, Chan enrolled in a diploma course in Building (General Construction) at a college in Hackney, before obtaining a degree in quantity surveyance. He later qualified as a chartered quantity surveyor.

Between 1986 and 1998, he took on a host of jobs – quantity surveyor, courier delivery staff and finally, taxi fleet manager. With his knowledge of taxis and London’s streets, Chan decided to apply for the Black Cab badge in 1999. And the rest is history. Despite staying in Britain for 26 years, Chan’s heart still lies with Malaysia, saying he plans to retire in 10 years, probably in his hometown of Segamat.

Looking back, he wished he spent more time with his parents in Segamat and shown greater appreciation for them when they were still around.

For Malaysians planning to work in Britain, Chan’s advice is “Be prepared to work hard and save every penny you earn.” So, in case you’re in London, watch out for Chan’s Black Cab with registration number ULU 177. Better still, email him at david chan473@aol.com should you require his service. But be a wee bit generous with tips-lah to a fellow Malaysian!