Cops back e-hailing safety efforts

We are ready to work with companies to improve passenger security, says Bukit Aman

KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman has given its full support to initiatives by e-hailing companies to implement more safety measures following a spate of crimes involving ride-sharing services.

Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director Comm Datuk Tajuddin Md Isa (pic) said police were ready to play their part and give their input for the safety of passengers.

“We are concerned about crimes involving drivers of the ride-sharing services.

“Police are at the forefront of safety and security, and we are always ready to assist in any initiative for the safety of the public,” he said yesterday.

Grab and Uber came under fire recently over a string of incidents, including an alleged rape of a single mother by a Grab driver in Seri Kembangan, and molest of a Vietnamese woman by an Uber driver in Penang.

A woman in Puchong suffered a miscarriage after she was robbed and left stranded by a Uber driver.

Uber South-East Asia regional general manager Chan Park said it would review its driver registration process and background checks.

Grab’s app has a Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) button to connect drivers to the nearest police station, while Uber promotes PDRM’s Volunteer Smart Patrol app, which allows the public to make real-time visual reports to police.

Comm Tajuddin said the safety measures were timely, given growing public concern over the safety of ride-sharing services.

“We are ready to work with other agencies and spearhead efforts to improve the safety of the people, especially those using public trans- port,” he said.

“There is no compromise when it comes to safety and security.”

Uber has announced that it is setting up a Safety Lab, to be completed in two months, which will tap the knowledge of industry experts such as the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research.

However, Uber and Grab have yet to implement the mandatory panic button feature, which the Land Public Transport Commission has ordered them to put in place by July 31.