Gov't to decide on Uber, says SPAD chairman

IPOH: It is up to the government to decide on the status of mobile app Uber, said Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar.
He said vehicles offering public transport services have to apply for licences, adding that with regards to Uber, the licensing process should not be breached.
"We already had several discussions with the Transport Ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission on the issue," he told reporters after the launch of 10 express buses services by Perak Transit Berhad at the Terminal Aman Jaya bus station here today.
"It is not a problem if Uber cars are using licences ... at present these vehicles do not have licences.
"The government needs to amend the relevant laws when a decision is made on the service (Uber)," he added.
Syed Hamid said Uber's transport service had gained popularity among public transport users.
"The bottom line is that we want to give the best and efficient transport service to the public," he said.
Meanwhile, Syed Hamid said SPAD is investigating the alleged assault of two passengers by an express bus driver.
"The licences of the operators and the bus driver could be suspended or cancelled.
"We hope bus companies will be cautious in employing drivers," he said.
Syed Hamid was commenting on a viral video which showed an express bus driver assaulting two passengers who were travelling from Penang to Malacca on Jan 25.
The two victims had apparently slept in the space provided for the driver to rest during long journeys.