Drivers told to turn down music

PEKANBARU, Riau: Police have stepped up a campaign to discipline public transportation drivers, not only for bad driving but also for playing their stereos too loudly.

As reported by Antara, passengers have often complained of deafening music in the minivans which serve as city transportation.

To the chagrin of many passengers, it has become almost "trendy" to play music at high volume.

Large speakers are placed in the middle of the vehicle, between the driver and the passengers in the back.

"We can't even sit straight because (if we did) our knees would bump into the speakers," complained Mrs Mardiah who takes a minivan daily to the market.

Drivers claim that they play loud music to attract as many youthful passengers as possible.