E-hailing drivers subject to same rules as cabbies from today

PUTRAJAYA: Grab and other ehailing drivers will be regulated under the same licensing conditions as taxi drivers beginning today, the Transport Ministry announced yesterday.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook yesterday announced a slew of new regulations that he said will even the playing field for taxi and ehailing drivers.

This means, like taxi drivers, ehailing drivers will also need to go through regular car inspections, health inspections and renew their driver's card annually.

All the new regulations will take effect on July 12, with a oneyear moratorium given to drivers and companies to comply with them.

Putrajaya will also impose a new commission cap for e-hailing firms, Loke said.

As a result, firms are not allowed to collect more than 10 per cent commission from taxi drivers using their platform, and not more than 20 per cent commission from other drivers.

To protect drivers, all firms are required to set up a mechanism for their drivers to file complaints.

“For the safety of the drivers, passengers are required to upload their identification card or passports online through the smartphone application for the service,” he said.

Taxi drivers who wish to join e-hailing platforms will be given a RM 5,000 incentive by the government to purchase new vehicles, and the same incentive will also be given to cabbies whose lease permits with taxi companies have ended and now wish to buy their own individual vehicles.

“The government wants to ensure there is a land public transportation industry where the companies and drivers can earn their income in harmony and at the same time provide reasonable service for the people,” he added.

The regulation changes will be brought under the Land Public Transport Act (Amendment 2017), Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board Act (Amendment 2017).