PUTRAJAYA: The rules and regulations imposed on e-hailing drivers will remain in place, says Anthony Loke.

The Transport Minister said the government did not introduce the new procedures such as a compulsory Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence for e-hailing drivers to make life difficult for them.

“People must understand, laws exist for a reason.

“We are legalising the e-hailing industry.

“If there are some drivers who are not willing to follow the procedures, what can I do?

“Some are acting as if they prefer to be illegal drivers.

“The government made a decision, which is to allow e-hailing services to operate within a legal framework,” he told a press conference after launching the written examinations for disabled e-hailing drivers here yesterday.

Loke was commenting on claims by e-hailing drivers associations that at least 50% of drivers would leave the industry after the July 12 deadline to obtain PSV licence.

He said e-hailing drivers should emulate the enthusiasm of their disabled counterparts.

“Look at the response from disabled drivers, who came to attend today’s examination session. They are very spirited.

“We should emulate their spirit. The disabled, despite the challenges they face, can still comply with the regulations.

“If people say they do not want to be e-hailing drivers because of the regulations, then the government cannot force them.

“It is their choice,” Loke said to reporters yesterday.

A total of 256 disabled e-hailing drivers sat for the written examinations, which was conducted by the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

The written examination is part of the requirements to obtain a PSV licence.

Candidates must get at least 48 out of the 60 objective questions correct to pass the test.

JPJ will announce the results and issue PSV cards to those who pass within five days.

For disabled e-hailing drivers, the total cost of RM320 to get a PSV licence is entirely borne by e-hailing operators, as part of a corporate social responsibility initiative.