by LYDIA NATHAN / pic by TMR FILE PIX

E-HAILING companies have been instructed by the government to turn off driver-partner phone applications if their drivers do not possess a complete Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence by July 12.

The complete package must include the PSV licence, a Puspakom (Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre) inspection, medical check-up and vehicle insurance.

JomRides head of marketing Musfaizal Mustafa said e-hailing firms will now have to update their systems in time to ensure all drivers adhere to the regulations.

“We have received instructions from the Ministry of Transport to turn off the driving application on their mobile phones if they have not done everything in place by that date,” he told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR) last week.

However, Musfaizal said JomRides has no immediate plans to ban drivers who do not have the PSV licence by the due date, as he feels that it is not fair because of time constraints.

“There is not enough time. I think that all the e-hailing companies are aware of this issue, but not everyone is ready for this.

“There are about 165,000 e-hailing drivers registered under the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) and some 65,000 taxi drivers if we were to compare. So, it’s not the same,” he added.

A source from another e-hailing firm told TMR that APAD and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) are expected to conduct more spot checks on these drivers after the deadline.

“Drivers must submit all documents needed for the PSV licence application to their respective app. The companies then upload the electronic vehicle permit for drivers to produce to the authorities, if necessary,” the source said.

Drivers will still be able to submit documents after the deadline before having their app reactivated.

The source added that the law has been amended so that drivers do not have to change their road tax status from private to e-hailing.

“This was a concern for our drivers, especially for those who wanted to quit, but now they welcome the change. However, we are not sure how many drivers may quit after the deadline,” the source said.

Meanwhile, Malaysian E-hailing Drivers Association president Daryl Chong said e-hailing firms will be wary about letting their drivers operate once the deadline kicks in.

He added that besides the drivers, the companies will also be held accountable for allowing their drivers to be on the road.

“No companies will dare to let their drivers be on the road because they can also be fined. The ministry has not said how much (is the fine) or what else may happen to the companies, but it’s a law and the e-hailing operators are expected to comply,” he said.