KOTA KINABALU: The taxi driver who ran amok and rammed his car into several vehicles at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport recently has died.

       Ng Chin Seng, 65, was believed to have died on Monday after a long battle with kidney failure and other health issues.

       KKIA Limousine and Taxi Association president Shamsuddin Mohd Shah said he was told of Ng’s passing by other taxi drivers.

       “Ng had had a rough life, he was under so much mental stress, he had health issues, was undergoing dialysis and we had tried our best to help in any way we could,” he said.

       Shamsuddin said members of the association will visit the funeral parlour to pay their last respects to Ng before his cremation today.

       Asked about the July 19 incident where Ng rammed his car into several taxis due to some misunderstanding, he said the victims whose vehicles were affected did not take any action or claim for damages from Ng.

       “We all know his problem. We are all affected by the pandemic, there is no business and all of us are struggling so that is why they decided to just let the matter be,” he said.

       Shamsuddin urged the government to look into the hardships of taxi drivers who have lost a huge chunk of their income following the Covid-19 pandemic.

       Those suffering from problems can reach out to: Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or WhatsApp 019-261 5999); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community care centre (WhatsApp 0111-959 8214); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929 or www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia).