No-go for vehicles over five years old, says SPAD

KUALA LUMPUR: Vehicles which are more than five years old will not be allowed to be registered for e-hailing or taxi services once changes to the Land Public Transport Act 2010 are gazetted.

When the amendments take effect, Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chief executive officer Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah said drivers would need to either have new vehicles or vehicles which were less than five years old from the date of registration with the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

Once registered, it is understood that these vehicles can be used until the seventh year.

Currently, there is a 10-year age limit for taxis.

Mohd Azharuddin also said drivers for these services would be required to send their vehicles for annual Puspakom inspection after three years from the date of registration with JPJ.

“You must comply with standards to ensure the vehicle is safe since you are providing a commercial service,” he said during a press conference.

Mohd Azharuddin said the new amendments, expected in October, would ensure e-hailing operators and drivers abide by government regulations.

These include having drivers attend customer service training, health screening, checks to ensure they do not have outstanding summonses or criminal record.

E-hailing operators must also ensure there is insurance coverage for drivers, passengers, vehicles and third parties.

The e-hailing apps must also have minimum features specified by SPAD such as GPS capability, rating system and the mandatory SOS button for both passengers and drivers.

Mohd Azharuddin said stringent screening would be conducted by SPAD, the police and JPJ on drivers.

SPAD will also issue digital driver cards.

“Currently, there are 180,000 e-hailing drivers but 70% of them are part-time drivers,” said Mohd Azharuddin.

He said the amendments would also help uplift the taxi industry with improvements to the pajak model contract terms.

Among the improvements include rent-free day for Puspakom inspection, annual and sick leave; driver’s personal insurance, and profit sharing between taxi driver and operator for advertisements featured on vehicles.

“Taxi drivers now have the option to purchase any vehicle model for new taxis as long as it meets standards under the New Car Assessment Programme for South-East Asia (Asean NCAP),” said Mohd Azharuddin.

Last Thursday, the Dewan Rakyat passed the amendments to the Land Public Transport Act 2010. The amendments will also have to be passed by the Dewan Negara, obtain Royal Assent and be gazetted before they come into force.

The Dewan Negara will sit beginning Aug 14.