JPJ hauls up operator of Maxim app for breaching ehailing rules

PUTRAJAYA: The ehailing operator managing the Maxim application has been hauled up by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) over a violation of the Land Public Transport Act 2010.

JPJ said the operator had breached Section 12A(5) of the Act by allowing vehicles under its charge to operate without a valid ehailing vehicle permit (EVP).

In a statement today, it said the Kuantan-based company was caught committing the offence in Putrajaya and Pahang during the nationwide Ops eHailing to weed out unregistered vehicles and those without an EVP.

JPJ said information from the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) showed that only 402 of the 5,000 vehicles actively using the Maxim app had an EVP.

Some documents of the company and equipment like computers, advertising boards, banners and bunting were also confiscated in connection with an investigation under Section 222 of the Act, it added.

According to JPJ, companies which allow ehailing vehicles to operate without an EVP can be prosecuted under Section 12A(9) of the Act, which provides for a fine of between RM1,000 and RM500,000, or jail of up to two years, if found guilty.

"Companies wishing to carry out the business of ehailing and provision of an ehailing system to drivers must be registered and licensed under Apad or the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB)," it said.

JPJ advised ehailing passengers to ensure the app they use was registered and licensed by checking with the Apad or CVLB portals.

"This is to ensure that passengers will enjoy insurance protection in the event of an accident when using the service,” it added.