KUALA LUMPUR: The government will not extend the 12th July 2019 deadline for e-hailing drivers to undergo the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) course and get the PSV license, as required for taxi drivers.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said all e-hailing drivers will be required to register for Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence like other taxi drivers, starting 1st January 2019.
“We will not extend this PSV deadline beyond 12th July 2019.
"If you are earning a few thousands of ringgit a month, there is no excuse not to get a PSV. The taxi drivers are gunning me and I want to make this a level playing field,” he said, adding those who fail to do so within the deadline will be hauled up by the authorities.
Effective 12th July 2018, Loke explained the Transport Ministry has been regulating e-hailing services through the Spad Act (2017 amendment) and Commercial Vehicle License Act (2017 amendment).
The 12th July 2019 deadline is, therefore, a one-year grace period for e-hailing drivers to be compliant.
Loke was speaking to the media after Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad launched Prasarana Malaysia Bhd's My100 and My50 unlimited travel pass here today.
The PSV, which costs RM115 per year, is a type of vocational driving licence that allows drive any type of commercial vehicle used for paying passengers such as taxis and busses.
E-hailing drivers who undergo PSV, in the first half of 2019 will be subjected to background screenings, medical checkups, and undergo a special six-hour driving training module, costing RM200 per person, at driving school or companies accredited by the Land Transport Agency (APAD).
Loke reiterated the PSV is part of the government’s move to regulate the e-hailing industry and create a level playing field with taxis.
Taxi groups have long complained about the low level of responsibilities of anyone to be an e-hailing driver, with no need to comply to the regulations that taxi drivers are subject to.