had similar experiences - but you learn throughout asia noyt just in KL ask for the meter or price if your not happy DO NOT GET IN - its a diffo culture and they are trying to eke a living it means more to them to feed the family than it does what you think of them - a good tip is to say if there are no unscheduled stops and he / she (not too often) gets you there in good time you will tip normally works even with the hatd core