Loke: JPJ code for e-hailing vehicles will not be on vehicle grants

PUTRAJAYA: The special "AH" code given to vehicles used for e-hailing by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) will not appear on vehicle grants, says Anthony Loke (pic).

The Transport Minister said the concerns of e-hailing drivers that their cars will be converted into commercial vehicles is unfounded, as the code is only reflected in JPJ's MySIKAP system.

"The AH code is created only for JPJ administrative purposes and will be reflected in their MySIKAP records to state that the vehicle is used for e-hailing purposes.

This code will not appear in their vehicle grant. So when the driver decides to sell off their cars, their car is still stated as a personal car.

"So there is no need for drivers or car owners to go to JPJ to make any changes, because the e-hailing vehicle permit information stored by the Land Public Transport Agency will automatically convert the code to AH in MySIKAP," said Loke at a press conference here on Wednesday (Oct 9).

Loke admitted that the situation had caused confusion in the e-hailing industry, adding that it also sparked plenty of heated arguments at JPJ offices nationwide.

"We are aware of the confusion it had caused, and I would like to apologise to the e-hailing drivers who had troubled themselves to go to JPJ offices, as well as the JPJ officers who were scolded," he said.

The minister dismissed claims that the government is doing a "U-turn" as there had been no changes in policy.

"In May, I announced that e-hailing drivers would not be required to change their car licence into a commercial licence. That remains unchanged. We have also announced that the regulated e-hailing industry will be enforced on Oct 12, that too will proceed as planned," he said.

Loke added that this does not mean that the JPJ will go after every vehicle on Oct 12.

"Enforcement will be done in stages. It is not our intention to disrupt the e-hailing industry," he said.

Loke also clarified that it is not compulsory for e-hailing drivers to print out their eVP.

"Printing it out is only for reference purposes. Their eVP number is already in the MySIKAP system. Drivers need not worry if they do not have the print-outs with them during the enforcement period," he said.