Experts call for more proactive measures, strengthening of safeguards
PETALING JAYA: E-hailing drivers should take proactive safety steps to protect themselves from unruly passengers, say experts.
They said the government must also play a part to strengthen existing safeguards. This advisory comes following several incidents involving e-hailing drivers being assaulted, threatened and robbed by passengers.
The latest string of violence includes a case on May 10 in Pontian, Johor, where an e-hailing driver was allegedly assaulted and had his car stolen by a teenage couple.
Just days later, on May 14, a female e-hailing driver was reportedly beaten by teenage passengers near a forest in Kuala Sungai Baru, Melaka, following a dispute over fare payment.
More recently, a June 9 incident involved three foreigners who allegedly attacked a driver when he asked them to fasten their seat belts during a ride in Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, Johor.
Gabungan eHailing Malaysia chief activist Masrizal Mahidin said many incidents of assault or abuse likely go unreported due to the affected drivers seeing little benefit in lodging complaints.
“Many drivers find the reporting mechanisms cumbersome.
“Some also don’t pursue a police report as they believe it would cost them valuable working hours and income,” he said.
As such, Masrizal said e-hailing platforms should be required to strengthen their in-app safety features.
“The safety of drivers in the long term lies in prevention, technology, effective enforcement and stronger platform accountability.
“Features such as trip-based audio recording, easier-to-access emergency assistance functions, passenger identity verification and real-time incident reporting should be implemented,” he said.
Malaysia E-Hailing Drivers Association president Daryl Chong urged the government to enforce harsher penalties for assaults on drivers and introduce a blacklist against repeat offenders.
“Right now, many perpetrators get off with minor charges that don’t reflect the seriousness of attacking someone,” he said.
Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said drivers themselves should consider installing safety measures in their vehicles to better protect themselves.
Recently, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said he planned to hold a discussion with e-hailing operators on getting drivers to adopt possible additional safety measures.
