Loke: Vital to train gig workers to be safer on the road

PUTRAJAYA: With Malaysians’ increasing dependence on e-hailing and p-hailing services, it has become vital to train gig workers to be safer on the road, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke (pic).

“There are now more e-hailing and p-hailing riders on the road than ever before and if they aren’t given proper safety training, they could endanger both themselves and other drivers.

“Factor in the increase in traffic levels to that of pre-pandemic times, it has become necessary to take every step possible to prevent accidents,” he said.

Speaking at the Road Traffic Safety Management System Empowerment Programme held at the ministry here yesterday, Loke also said that newly drafted road safety guidelines for platform providers being drawn up by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) would be an important step in ensuring road safety for all.

“The guidelines are aimed at increasing the service quality of p-hailing and e-hailing service providers while educating the riders about staying safe on the road.

“Once the guidelines are finalised, it is hoped that they will help in reducing the number of road accident-related fatalities and injuries nationwide,” he said, adding that all stakeholders are welcome to provide their input on the guidelines.

Loke said the guidelines are aligned with the United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety Plan, which aims to reduce the global road accident death rate to below 50% by 2030.

“I will continue to prioritise ensuring safety measures as I believe that safety always comes first, even if it makes me unpopular to the public,” he added.