Passing message down to the ground takes time
I REFER to the report “E-hailing drivers left baffled” (The Star, Oct 14).
On Oct 10, Road Transport Department (JPJ) Enforcement Division director Khairul Anuar Bachok said his department would take firm action against drivers who did not meet the criteria set for e-hailing services from Oct 12.
A day before this, Transport Minister Anthony Loke had assured drivers who have passed the passenger service vehicle (PSV) test and were waiting for the licence to be issued would be allowed to ferry passengers.
As Malaysia E-hailing Drivers Association president Daryl Chong wanted to inform his members about the leniency, he checked with the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) to confirm this fact, but was told by its Taxi and E-hailing Unit that only drivers with both the PSV and e-hailing vehicle permit (EVP) would be allowed to provide e-hailing service.
Then, on Oct 12, Loke disclosed that his ministry would be taking a gradual approach on enforcement and drivers would be given leeway as long as they have registered for the PSV test or taken steps to fulfil the requirements, which include getting the PSV licence, passenger insurance, e-hailing sticker and EVP.
He said that the authorities would not be mounting a crackdown against them, but JPJ and Apad officials are still singing a different tune. Chong had to advise his association’s members, many of whom are waiting to receive the EVP from Apad, that they would be driving at their own risk.
I am not at all surprised with the discrepancies in statements issued by a minister and ministry officials, having noticed this decades ago and learning that laws are not always enforced. There is usually a gap between the time a minister agrees to a request or makes an announcement and the time enforcement officers receive written instructions.
Enforcement officers must go by the book and cite the section of the law or regulation contained in a circular for any action to be taken against offenders. They are not free to act based on reports or interpretations of what was said.