Makassar urged to regulate 'becak'

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Residents here are pressuring the Makassar Mayoralty to issue licenses for thousands of becak (pedicab) drivers operating in the city.

Local figures Muhammad Satar Bundu and Yahya Rewa joined the chorus in separate interviews and said on Tuesday that the licenses would be needed for becak drivers to operate within the city.

"Driving a becak is a job that needs to be regulated," Satar Bundu said.

They said that driving a becak was not a matter of physical strength but to ensure the safety of passengers.

Rewa said a bylaw was needed as the legal basis for the prerequisite.

He cited the regency of Pinrang, which was discussing the need for a bylaw on licenses for becak drivers. --Antara