Dego Ride ban stays: Liow (Updated)

PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet today agreed with the Transport Ministry's decision to stop Dego Ride motorcycle taxi services based on safety reasons.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said Dego Ride is unsuitable here as the government has provided comprehensive public transportation services such as MRT, monorail and KTM commuter.
"A detailed explanation about public safety has been provided to the Cabinet and it was agreed that the Transport Ministry should explain the decision to the public."
Liow said his ministry was willing to meet the service provider but the ban would remain.
Dego Ride founder and chief executive officer Nabil Feisal Bamadhaj told theSun they were in discussion with the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) on being included as an e-hailing service provider together with Uber and Grab.
"We would like to know if there is any chance for us operate (in accordance to) the amendments SPAD will be tabling on the Land Public Transport Act 2010 in the next Parliament session," Nabil said when contacted today.
The amendments include provisions to regulate mobile app providers offering public or commercial transport and delivery services, and allows SPAD some control over mobile app companies acting as a medium for public transport services.
Commission chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar said the proposed amendments would plug loopholes and address e-hailing services issues as well as ensure matters pertaining to public transport would be under SPAD, including taking action against parties who breach the Act.
On the talks with SPAD, Nabil said: "We have informed them that safety is our priority but nothing favourable came out of the meeting, except the commission requesting the government to conduct a study on this matter," he said, adding that he will be meeting SPAD again after discussions with the Transport Ministry and Road Transport Department (RTD).
He added that Dego Ride's 6,000 riders have been told to stop operating immediately, in compliance with a directive from the Transport Ministry.