PUTRAJAYA: The proposed licence for p-hailing riders will involve less red tape compared with the Goods Driving Licence (GDL), says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
“I assure riders that the process to obtain the licence will be easier – it is more for record purposes,” he said.
He also said it was not true that p-hailing riders delivering food and goods would have to own a GDL or a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence in order to operate, and neither would they have to send their vehicles for checks at Puspakom inspection centres.
“I watched a few videos claiming that we are compelling all p-hailing riders to have a GDL licence, and some said there are compulsory Puspakom checks. This is all untrue,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
Dr Wee said the Transport Ministry was planning to amend the Road Transport Act to regulate the p-hailing industry, where riders would be registered under a system and be given a licence.
“I guarantee that this will not be the same as a GDL, which is compulsory for heavy vehicles,” he said, adding that this proposed p-hailing licence would cost not more than RM10.
Many proposals had been put forth, and they would fine-tune through engagement sessions when the law is amended, he added.
Among the proposals are a moratorium where registered p-hailing riders would not be compelled to pay for the licence for a year and for drivers to undergo a short induction course.
“It may be just three hours,” he said, adding that the course could also be done online.
Dr Wee said the proposed registry of p-hailing riders would ensure that their welfare is taken care of.
“If we want to give aid, where can we obtain data on p-hailing drivers? Even ehailing operators do not have a full list.
“With this system, we will know in just one click,” he added.
On Monday, Dr Wee said the Cabinet had agreed to amend the Road Transport Act, the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board Act and the Land Public Transport Act.
Among the proposed amendments are the establishment of new licensing rules and ensuring that delivery riders and drivers are covered by insurance.
Other proposed amendments include reducing the minimum age of p-hailing riders from the current 21 to 18, where they will be able to obtain a vocational licence.
Dr Wee said the proposed amendments would be tabled in the next Parliament meeting in October.
Recently, delivery riders held a one-day strike to highlight their plight, such as low delivery fees.
Following the protest, a meeting was organised between the ministry, several delivery rider associations and vendors.
