Vehicles used for e-hailing is considered a private vehicle and the code will be automatically changed in the MySIKAP system

by LYDIA NATHAN/ pic by BERNAMA

E-HAILING drivers need not change their vehicle status as the special “AH” code given by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) will not appear on vehicle grants.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke (picture) said e-hailing drivers should not be concerned about having to convert their cars into commercial vehicles, as the status will only be reflected in JPJ’s MySIKAP system.

“The code is only for administration purposes, and will not be reflected in the car grant.

“Every vehicle used for e-hailing purposes is considered a private vehicle and the code will be automatically changed in the system,” he told reporters at a briefing in Putrajaya yesterday.

Hence if a driver wishes to sell their vehicle, it is still recorded as a personal car.

According to Loke, the concerns arose when drivers assumed they would need to go into JPJ offices, sparking outrage about the timing.

“We are aware of the confusion caused and I apologise to the drivers who had to trouble themselves, as well as the JPJ officers who were scolded,” he said. Loke maintained that the government is not performing a U-turn, as nothing has changed.

“In May, I said drivers won’t need to change the status and that has not changed at all. I also said enforcement will go into effect on Oct 12 and that still stands.

“However, this does not mean JPJ officers are going to check every car. This will be done gradually and not all at once. We do not want to disrupt the industry, it is not our intention,” he said.

Drivers are able to operate as usual, as long as their public service vehicle (PSV) licences have been attained. 69,053 drivers have passed the exam so far, Loke added.

“Even without the PSV card, drivers can just print out the sheet from the portal that says one has passed.

“Also, to clarify, drivers do not need to print out the electronic vehicle permit (eVP). This will be handled between the e-hailing organisations and the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD),” he said.

Syndicates found selling illegal PSV licences will be investigated and charged.

“We have heard some syndicates are selling the licence for RM400, but I want to say there is a zero corruption policy here and both the drivers and the people involved can be prosecuted under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission,” Loke said.

The minister also said he will help exempt some 57 hearing- impaired drivers who require the PSV licence.

Meanwhile, Malaysia E-hailing Drivers Association president Daryl Chong said he expects about 30% of drivers to quit following the enforcement of regulations.

“According to APAD, there are about 167,000 e-hailing drivers in Malaysia. We foresee about 30% quit in the next few days and only 80,000 are ready with the PSV licence and eVP permit,” he said.

Although some may not be fully ready, Chong is against any further extensions to the PSV and eVP deadlines, deeming it unfair to the many drivers who have made the effort to comply from the very beginning.