PETALING JAYA: Any decision on e-hailing fares, including proposals for a minimum fare, will be handled by the newly formed Malaysian Gig Economy Commission (SEGiM).
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the issue would not be addressed in isolation, noting that any adjustment to fare structures could have wider implications across the industry.
“Any policy changes will have implications. However, the commission has already been established.
“As such, matters concerning fare rates and related issues will be discussed at the commission level in due course,” Loke said at a press conference following the 2026 Hari Raya Aidilfitri food distribution event for KTMB passengers yesterday.
Earlier, e-hailing drivers’ group Sahabat E-hailing Malaysia called on Putrajaya to regulate the pricing structure of ride-hailing services, saying current laws allow companies to determine fares independently.
The group warned that without a floor price, drivers remain vulnerable to exploitation and face growing economic pressure.
The ministry announced last year that it had carried out a study to explore the possibility of regulating e-hailing fares.
The study was based on the findings and recommendations of the Land Public Transport Strategic Plan for the Klang Valley.
Meanwhile, at the same event, Loke announced the largest expansion of train services in Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd’s (KTMB) history, with 228 additional trips scheduled between March 17 and 29 to cater to the Hari Raya Aidilfitri travel rush.
Of the total, 196 services involve the Electric Train Service (ETS), while 32 are for the EMU Plus service, he said.
“KTMB is offering 251,752 ETS seats, a 113% increase compared with the 118,440 seats made available last year.
“The increase in ETS services this year is supported by the full delivery of 10 ETS3 train sets, in addition to the existing ETS fleet,” he said.
“This enables KTMB to optimise capacity and facilitate travel for members of the public returning to their hometowns.”
Loke added that train frequency will also increase to 64 trips daily, with 24-hour operations throughout the peak period.
“This initiative marks the most extensive expansion of train services ever undertaken by KTMB, underscoring the government’s and KTMB’s commitment to ensuring more Malaysians can return to their hometowns comfortably and safely,” he said.
KTMB has also deployed 310 auxiliary police personnel across major stations to strengthen safety and crowd management during the festive season.
