Govt creating level playing field for e-hailing operators and taxi drivers

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is in the midst of creating a level playing field for e-hailing operators and taxi drivers, by imposing the same laws and regulations for both sides, says Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar.

He said that the government has no intention to abolish e-hailing services, as it has complemented the public transport system and is already a worldwide phenomenon.

Instead, the move to have a level playing field would be implemented in stages to ensure smooth operation for all parties, Kamarudin said.

"In principle, the Ministry has agreed that we want to impose the same law and regulations on both e-hailing and taxi drivers, so no one will have any advantages when carrying out their services," he told reporters at the Parliament lobby on Monday (Oct 22).

On Oct 21, a meeting between Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and members of a taxi drivers association turned chaotic when some 10 of them shouted offensive words and walked out of the room in Dewan Kencana Langkawi.

Kamarudin said the process to impose similar laws and regulations on e-hailing operators would begin on Jan 1 next year, and is expected to be completed within a six months period.

"We are currently trying to implement it, but it will take some time.

"We were informed that there are about 600,000 people who are involved in providing e-hailing services in the country.

"(We need time) Or else it would be impossible for Puspakom and other relevant agencies to cope with the inspections.

"But we are confident of implementing it," he said.

Kamarudin expressed regret over the incident in Langkawi during a dialogue between the Prime Minister and a group of angry taxi drivers.

"Dr Mahathir, who is also the Langkawi MP, actually truly cares about the welfare of taxi drivers, and also the people.

"Whatever was raised by the group will be addressed and brought to the Cabinet so it can be settled.

"For me, such rude action should not have happened towards a leader of the country," he said.

Taxi drivers around the country have increasingly been unhappy about Grab, claiming that the e-hailing service was putting a dent into their business.

On Oct 17, a group of disgruntled taxi drivers held a protest in front of the Finance Ministry over the same issue.