E-hailing and taxis subject to same rules from July 12, with one-year grace period

PUTRAJAYA: E-hailing services such as Grab will be subject to the same regulations as taxis from Thursday (July 12), especially for license registration, vehicle inspection and operational requirements.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the regulations were an extension of the laws already passed in Parliament last year, which provided for legalisation of e-hailing services.

There will be a grace period of one year for the e-hailing and taxi companies to comply.

“Among the requirements are for e-hailing companies to register with the Companies Commission (SSM) or the Cooperatives Commission (SKM).

“The brands of vehicles that can be used for these services must be ranked at least three stars on the Asean NCAP or equivalent," said Loke after a post-Cabinet meeting here on Wednesday (July 11).

He added that both taxi and e-hailing companies must also ensure the vehicles undergo yearly inspections when the vehicles are above three years old

All service providers must also provide insurance coverage for drivers, vehicles, passengers and third parties.

Loke said the regulations were to provide a level playing field for taxis and e-hailing services.