PETALING JAYA: Grab said it wished that the Transport Ministry had consulted the industry first before announcing that e-hailing services will be subject to the same regulations as taxis, as it affects hundreds of thousands of drivers.
The new regulation, announced by Transport Minister Anthony Loke, requires e-hailing services to be subject to the same rules, especially for license registration, vehicle inspection and operational requirements.
“We have just been alerted of the ‘regulatory suggestions’ and have yet to receive the formal operational directive,” said Grab Malaysia’s country head, Sean Goh.
Loke had announced that the brands of vehicles that can be used for these services must be ranked at least three stars on the Asean NCAP or equivalent.
E-hailing companies must also register with the Companies Commission (SSM) or the Cooperatives Commission (SKM), and ensure that vehicles undergo yearly inspections when they are above three years old.
Grab said it wants to work out the details with Loke and his team to ensure minimal interruptions to its operations and driver-partners.
It also urges its driver-partners to bear with it as the company talks to the Government to better understand the regulations and work out a solution.
Loke also said e-hailing services and taxi companies must provide insurance coverage for drivers, vehicles, passengers and third parties.
The regulations are an extension of the laws already passed in Parliament last year, which provided for legalisation of e-hailing services, said Loke, adding that e-hailing services will be given a grace period of one year to comply.
