Latest news with #E-HailingVehiclePermit
Sinar Daily
01-08-2025
- Automotive
- 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
29-07-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
How inDrive and Maxim came close to a shutdown
KUALA LUMPUR: E-hailing platforms inDrive and Maxim came under fire this year after regulators moved to suspend their operations for breaching local transport laws. The Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) issued cease-and-desist notices to both firms, triggering fierce debate over enforcement, fairness, and the future of competition in Malaysia's ride-hailing market. Here is a chronological breakdown of how the events unfolded. Dec 23, 2024: inDrive announced it had completed five billion rides globally. In Malaysia, the platform recorded a 20 per cent growth in rides and a 21 per cent increase in users, while aiming for a 23 per cent rise in driver registrations. It operated across the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor Bahru. Feb 13, 2025: inDrive set a target of registering 40,000 drivers in Malaysia by the end of the year. The company also unveiled plans to enhance driver support services, including new insurance packages and mini driver hubs outside the Klang Valley. May 2, 2025: APAD issued a notice to inDrive requesting the return of its Intermediation Business Licence (IBL) over failure to meet local regulatory conditions, including driver documentation and E-Hailing Vehicle Permit (EVP) compliance. May 6, 2025: The Malaysian P-Hailing Riders Association (Penghantar) criticised APAD for allowing inDrive and Maxim to continue operating despite breaches. The group demanded enforcement and urged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to block the apps. May 9, 2025: Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that inDrive and Maxim were ordered to cease operations in Malaysia by July 24 for violating local transport regulations. Both platforms were allowed to appeal the decision. May 9, 2025: inDrive issued a statement saying it would comply with all regulatory requirements. It confirmed operations would continue during the appeal period and that it was actively engaging with APAD. May 13, 2025: The Public Transport Transformation Association (TPAD) warned that banning platforms like inDrive could reduce competition and increase fares. TPAD added that inDrive's low commission rates had made it a sustainable option for many drivers, especially outside major cities. The group urged the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) to examine the market impact. May 14, 2025: Maxim confirmed it was engaging with APAD to resolve the revocation issue. The company said that it had always prioritised safety, and that its drivers underwent thorough document checks. It also highlighted partnerships with the Road Transport Department (RTD) and local driving schools to ensure Public Service Vehicle (PSV) compliance. June 10, 2025: Maxim announced it had submitted all necessary documents to APAD to support its appeal. Its legal and government relations head, Mushfique Ahmed Chowdury, said the company had complied with all APAD instructions and was committed to full regularisation. He added that a previous APAD raid in 2023 did not result in any licence cancellation but instead called for operational improverments. June 26, 2025: The Northern e-Hailing Drivers Association (NeHDA) welcomed the suspension order, calling it a step toward regulatory fairness. Its chairman, Zabidi Bahador, said continued leniency towards non-compliant operators would harm local drivers and passenger trust. July 24, 2025: APAD announced that inDrive and Maxim would be allowed to continue operations under a three-month probation period. Both companies had taken satisfactory corrective action, including ensuring all drivers had valid EVPs and granting APAD limited access to their driver databases. July 28, 2025: Anthony Loke issued a stern warning that any further breaches during the probation period would result in immediate licence revocation. He said the appeal was granted because this was the companies' first major offence and due to the public's reliance on the services in some states. July 29, 2025: inDrive officially confirmed it has received approval from the Transport Ministry and APAD to continue operating. The platform said it had strengthened its internal systems and reaffirmed that all drivers must possess valid EVPs, PSV licences and insurance. The company announced enhanced standard operating procedures, driver training via inDrive Academy, and a new programme to support mobility access for persons with disabilities (OKU). It also pledged to maintain one of the lowest commission rates in the industry, passing 85–90 per cent of ride income to drivers.
The Sun
28-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Maxim and InDrive warned over EVP compliance by transport ministry
ALOR SETAR: The Ministry of Transport has issued a strong warning to e-hailing operators Maxim and InDrive, demanding full compliance with service requirements, including the mandatory E-Hailing Vehicle Permit (EVP). Failure to adhere could result in licence suspension or revocation. Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that both companies are under a three-month monitoring period to demonstrate compliance. 'Any operator facing enforcement action has the right to appeal to the MOT, and both companies have done so. We've outlined corrective actions, and improvements have begun. As this is their first offence, we are giving them a chance to rectify the issues. However, further violations may lead to licence suspension,' he said during the launch of the Kota Setar service. Loke acknowledged the severity of the offences, primarily operating without EVP compliance, but noted the potential impact on drivers and passengers. 'An immediate shutdown would affect users, and opinions on enforcement vary,' he added. On April 24, the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) issued a Notice of Licence Revocation to Maxim and InDrive, effective July 24, following compliance failures. Both companies appealed, securing a three-month probationary period starting July 24 to meet requirements or face regulatory action. - Bernama
New Straits Times
28-07-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
InDrive, Maxim risk losing licences over non-compliance
ALOR STAR: E-hailing companies Maxim and InDrive may have their licences cancelled if they fail to ensure their drivers comply with key requirements, particularly those involving the E-Hailing Vehicle Permit (EVP). Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the ministry took a serious view of offences committed by both companies for allowing drivers to operate without the mandatory EVP, a key condition under the operator's licence. He said it was the operators' first offence and that they have submitted appeals seeking time to rectify the matter. "They have been given a monitoring period under the law. "Any licensed operator can appeal to the ministry, and we will consider their appeal. "There are improvements and corrective steps the companies must take, and we can see they have begun doing so. "Normally, for a first offence, we allow room for improvements and correction. "But if they continue to violate the terms, only then will we suspend or revoke their licences," he told reporters after launching the Stage Bus Service Transformation Programme (SBTP) for Kota Setar ( Kota Setar) here today. Loke said the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) had earlier recommended revoking the companies' licences for violating EVP requirements. However, he said certain considerations were taken into account, including the fact that many drivers use both applications, and the high number of users in some states. "This is their first offence operating without an EVP, which is serious, and I do not take it lightly. "That's why APAD proposed the cancellation. "But they have appealed, and we've taken into consideration that there are drivers on both apps, and that they provide alternatives for the public, especially in states where their services are widely used. "If we were to shut them down immediately without giving them a chance to improve, users might face difficulties and start lodging other complaints," he said. As such, both companies have been placed under a three-month monitoring period. If they are found to commit further violations during this time, action will be taken to revoke their licences. "For any licensed company, we allow them to rectify first offences. But if the violations persist, I issue a stern warning that their licences will be revoked. "That's why we're giving them three months to comply. "If they breach the conditions again during this time, we will revoke the licences," he said. In a statement last Wednesday, APAD said Maxim and InDrive had been allowed to continue operating but were placed under a three-month monitoring period to ensure compliance with service requirements. An audit found that both companies had failed to meet several operator conditions, particularly in relation to the EVP, prompting the issuance of a notice of cancellation.
Barnama
28-07-2025
- Automotive
- Barnama
Stern Warning Issued To Maxim, InDrive Over EVP Compliance
ALOR SETAR, July 28 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has issued a stern warning to e-hailing operators, Aist Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Maxim) and ID Applications Sdn Bhd (InDrive), to comply with all service requirements to operate in the country, including the mandatory E-Hailing Vehicle Permit (EVP), or risk having their licences suspended or revoked. Minister Anthony Loke said both companies are currently under a three-month monitoring period, during which they are expected to demonstrate full compliance. 'Any operator facing enforcement action has the right to appeal to the MOT, and both companies have done so. 'We've outlined the corrective actions they must take, and we've observed that they've begun making improvements. As this is their first offence, we are giving them the opportunity to rectify the issues. 'However, if they continue to violate the conditions, their licences may be suspended or cancelled,' he told reporters after launching the Kota Setar service in Kota Setar today. Loke acknowledged that the offences committed by the two companies, primarily operating without EVP compliance, were serious. However, he said the ministry also took into account the potential impact on drivers and passengers who rely on both platforms. 'If we were to shut them down immediately without giving a chance for improvement, we'd be facing backlash from affected users. As with any decision, there will always be differing opinions,' he added. On April 24, the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) issued a Notice of Licence Revocation to both Maxim and InDrive, with effect from July 24, after an audit revealed major compliance failures, particularly related to EVP requirements.
