Decision on e-hailing services soon

KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet is expected to give its nod for the amendment of two laws to regulate e-hailing services today.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the amendments will be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat latest by Tuesday for the first reading and complete the second and third readings by the end of the session.
"We must do it by the end of this session. I believe we will be able to complete and pass the amendments," she said, adding that the delay was due to administrative processes.
The government intends to amend the Land Transport Act 2010 and the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board Act 1987.
Earlier in a parliamentary written reply, Nancy said the regulation will work as an intermediary under the Land Transport Act.
"This regulatory move will bring a positive impact not just for taxi drivers, e-hailing service providers and passengers, but also give interested local entrepreneurs the space to explore opportunities in
the industry through the local application system development," she said.
Nancy said at the moment, a new policy framework has been drawn up to ensure the service providers will give quality service, which benefits both passengers and drivers.
"This will also ensure that there is healthy competition between industry players.
"Among others, it will be compulsory for e-hailing service providers to register with the Companies Commission," she said.
She added that all other regulations for taxi drivers will also apply to drivers of e-hailing services like Uber and Grab.
"This includes a driver's card issued by the Land Public Transport Commission, vehicle inspections, screening by authorities as well as training.
"Through these methods, both conventional taxi services and the e-hailing services will be able to provide quality service to the public," Nancy said.
In October last year, she told the Dewan Rakyat that the proposal to regulate e-hailing also includes issuing new individual taxi permits.
"This will allow the government to implement several programmes and reforms related to having a fairer terms and conditions for taxi permit rental and regulating e-hailing services nationwide," she had said.