MOT issues stern warning to Maxim, InDrive over compliance failures
These include the mandatory e-hailing vehicle permit (EVP), or risk having their licences suspended or revoked.
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Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Malaysia can't be a playground for platform lawlessness
By Wan Agyl Wan Hassan Malaysia's e-hailing sector is standing at a critical juncture and the Land Public Transport Agency's (Apad) recent decision allowing inDrive and Maxim to resume operations under a three-month probation is both a bold pivot and a delicate test. On the surface, it signals a maturing regulatory approach that blends firmness with reform. But beneath that gesture lies a deeper question: are we holding platforms accountable, or simply offering them one more lifeline they haven't earned? inDrive's claim on July 29 that all of its drivers now hold valid e-hailing vehicle permits (EVP), public service vehicle (PSV) licences and insurance cover is a welcome announcement. Apad's own audit on July 11 appeared to confirm that operational compliance had improved in the short term. The company has since pointed to administrative fixes — such as driver re-verification, backend audits and improved regulator integration — as proof of course correction. That may be true. And Apad, in allowing these firms back into the ecosystem under probation, has shown it is willing to prioritise long-term industry development over knee-jerk punishment. But let's not forget how we got here. These were not minor administrative oversights. From 2022 through mid-2025, both inDrive and Maxim were found repeatedly breaching the law. Drivers operated without EVPs. Some lacked PSV licences. inDrive continued business even after licence expiry. Maxim, according to news reports, was flagged in multiple states for using unlicensed vehicles. Show-cause letters were issued, cease orders were served, and enforcement was activated, yet both firms continued operating, sometimes quietly, often blatantly. These were not momentary compliance gaps; they were sustained, structural failures that undermined the safety of passengers and the integrity of Malaysia's regulatory framework. While the sanction of probation may appear constructive, we must be blunt: non-compliance of this scale should never be tolerated again. It endangers passengers. It disadvantages rule-abiding local and other operators. And it makes a mockery of existing enforcement. If this is truly a turning point, both the regulators and the platforms must recognise that probation is not forgiveness; it is a final warning. I say this with due respect, but I must humbly disagree with the transport minister's recent statement that this is the platforms' 'first offence'. The documented history of non-compliance — spanning several years, multiple enforcement actions, and repeated regulatory warnings — shows otherwise. Platforms that violate probation conditions must have their licences cancelled immediately, decisively, and without compromise. There is no need for the matter to be subjected to further deliberation. Apad must now move swiftly from gesture to governance. Probation only works if it is backed by real-time monitoring, milestone enforcement, and full public transparency. inDrive and Maxim must be required to submit bi-weekly dashboards that disclose how many drivers are actively on the platform and how many have verified EVPs, PSV licences, and insurance. These numbers must be auditable, published publicly, and open to scrutiny from stakeholders, including driver associations, consumer advocates, and the public. Regulators must also maintain view-only access to platform backend data, not just pre-filtered compliance snapshots. This enables Apad to run live spot-checks and cross-verify EVP issuance with JPJ and other relevant databases. A platform that cannot support this level of scrutiny should not be allowed to operate. In parallel, a set of monthly milestones must be enforced. For example: 100% EVP coverage by Aug 31; zero unauthorised driver logins by Sept 15; driver helplines and reporting channels operational by Oct 1. These aren't suggestions; they should be conditions for continued operation. If either of these two platforms fails to meet them, Apad must revoke their licences without hesitation or political interference. But Apad cannot do this alone. Independent audits are essential. Neutral third-party monitors should be engaged to validate compliance claims, investigate anomalies, and provide honest assessments free from political pressure. Public reporting channels must be set up, enabling passengers and drivers to anonymously report violations especially concerning fake licences, vehicle impersonation, or illegal fare surcharges. Let us be clear to the industry as well: this country will no longer welcome platform business models built on regulatory evasion or grey-area operations. Malaysia has every right to protect the safety of its riders and the dignity of its workers. Global platforms entering our market must understand that scale does not grant immunity. If your compliance depends on retroactive appeals or last-minute damage control, you do not belong in a market that prioritises public safety and trust. This is also a wake-up call to the broader regulatory ecosystem. Probation should not be the norm. It is a tool, not a policy. The goal must be to build a system where compliance is the default, not a corrective afterthought. Malaysia must move towards principles-based regulation; one that prioritises outcome-based safety metrics, structured public accountability, and data-driven decision-making. We cannot afford a regulatory model that rewards failure with resets. Therefore, this probation is not a favour. It is a test. A test of whether inDrive and Maxim can reform, and more importantly, whether Apad has the courage and tools to hold them to account. If successful, this could mark a shift towards a more intelligent, reform-driven regulatory regime. If not, it will signal to the market that rules are optional, and consequences negotiable. The next three months will determine whether Malaysia's e-hailing future is defined by courage and clarity or by capitulation. Let's hope we choose the former. Wan Agyl Wan Hassan is the founder and CEO of MY Mobility Vision, a transport think tank. The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
Sinar Daily
3 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
inDrive secures approval to continue operations in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR - Global ride-hailing platform inDrive officially received clearance from Malaysia's Ministry of Transport (MoT) and the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) to continue operations in the country. The announcement was made during a press conference, where the company expressed its gratitude and reinforced its commitment to the local market. inDrive Malaysia Country Lead, Govin Kumaar, said that the company is grateful to MoT and Apad for granting them the green light to continue their operations in Malaysia. 'This milestone reflects our steadfast commitment to full regulatory compliance, not just as a requirement, but as a long-term operational principle. More importantly, it allows us to continue supporting the thousands of local drivers who rely on inDrive to earn a sustainable income. 'With one of the lowest commission rates in the industry, where 85 per cent - 90 per cent of income goes directly to our drivers, helping them better support their families and improve their livelihoods,' he said. Global ride-hailing platform inDrive has received official clearance from Malaysia's Transport Ministry and Apad to continue operating. Photo: Facebook To ensure full compliance with Malaysian laws, inDrive reiterated that all drivers must possess a valid E-Hailing Vehicle Permit (EVP), a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence and e-hailing insurance, in addition to passing document verification. The company has also implemented enhanced internal checks and continues working closely with Apad to further strengthen its compliance system. In addition to standard regulatory requirements, inDrive announced new standard operating procedures to improve driver onboarding and re-verification. These updates aim to ensure that all drivers on the platform meet current safety and regulatory benchmarks. The platform has also rolled out enhanced internal audit processes to keep driver documentation up to date, safeguard platform integrity and ensure consistent service delivery. To support driver growth and quality assurance, inDrive offers inDrive Academy, an e-learning module that provides ongoing training, resources and service improvement tools. Operating in over 47 countries, inDrive's model allows drivers and riders to mutually agree on fares, which the company said promotes fair pricing and affordable options for riders. Its lower platform fee model has enabled thousands of Malaysian drivers to maintain better income stability, especially during economic uncertainties. With the recent green light from the authorities, inDrive is now focused on expanding its footprint and reaffirming its broader global mission of impacting 1 billion people worldwide. Looking ahead, the company also teased an upcoming initiative for persons with disabilities (OKU) to improve accessibility. This initiative will introduce enhanced features and engagement programmes to make the ride-hailing experience more inclusive and user-friendly for differently-abled Malaysians. inDrive APAC Director, Mark Tolley, highlighted the company's inclusive vision. 'We are committed to rebuilding with purpose and strengthening our presence in Malaysia's mobility landscape. Healthy competition in the e-hailing space drives innovation, raises service standards and ensures more choice for Malaysians in how they move, work and earn. 'As we move forward, our priority is to expand access, empower drivers and improve mobility for all. Malaysia has long been a strategic market for us and continues to lead in innovation and inclusivity across Asean. 'We are here for the long term and ready to work alongside regulators, drivers and communities to shape a mobility ecosystem that truly works for everyone,' he said.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
DBKL launches electric bicycle project to ease first- and last-mile connectivity
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has launched a two-year micromobility sandbox project, deploying 225 electric bicycles in three zones to promote sustainable transport and ease first- and last-mile urban travel. The pilot, supported by the Transport Ministry, will allow only registered operators to provide micromobility services in the city centre, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, and Taman Metropolitan Batu. Officiating the launch at Menara DBKL, Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif said the project puts national and city mobility plans into action. "We've had long-term strategies in place, but this is about moving from planning to action on the ground," she said. Approved vehicles will operate on dedicated bike lanes, including a newly mapped 11km corridor in the city centre and a 3.5km shared-use track in Batu. The initiative aligns with the Kuala Lumpur Traffic Master Plan 2040 and the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040, which aim for a 70:30 travel mode shift - 70 per cent public or non-motorised transport, and 30 per cent private vehicles. "This sandbox programme is not just a policy testbed. It's also a platform for collaboration under our 4P model: Public, Private, People, and Partnership," she said. Hellobike Sdn Bhd, the appointed operator, will begin full deployment within two weeks. To encourage uptake, the company is offering 15 free rides per month for 1,000 DBKL staff and public rates between RM5 and RM10 per 20 minutes, with promotional packages expected. "For DBKL staff, these free rides serve as encouragement for us to lead by example," said Maimunah. The mayor said that DBKL is working to expand available micromobility options in the city beyond electric bikes, including recruiting operators for electric scooters and other personal mobility devices (PMDs). The project, which runs from Feb 1, 2025, to Jan 31, 2027, will be monitored through phased implementation and regular data collection. Reviews will be conducted every three to six months to evaluate demand, route suitability, and areas for improvement. "If demand is high, we may expand the number of zones or fleet sizes. This project is dynamic and data-driven," she said. Maimunah said safety enforcement would centre on speed limits and geographic restrictions, with coordination from agencies including the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros), the Road Transport Department (RTD), and the police. "Only registered operators can run these services, and only in the approved zones. If users go beyond those limits or break the rules, enforcement action can be taken," she said. DBKL's goal, she added, is to offer safe, affordable, and accessible mobility choices that support a low-carbon lifestyle in the city. "This is part of our Green and Sustainable Flagship initiative. We want to make Kuala Lumpur a liveable and loveable city, one that people not only live in but are proud of."
