KUALA LUMPUR: Communications and Multimedia Ministry has yet to receive request to shut down ride-sharing apps, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
Its Deputy Minister Datuk Jailani Johari however said the ministry was willing to discuss with the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) on the matter.
"I give you my commitment.. if our assistance is needed (to shut down apps), the ministry, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), would extend technical assistance," he said in his winding up speech for 2016 Budget that was debated in Committee stage.
Jailani was addressing concerns raised by several members who said that the apps including Uber and GrabCar had continued operating despite confirmation by SPAD, responsible in issuing license for taxi permits, that the drivers (for ride-sharing apps) didn't obtain Public Service Vehicle (PSV) license.
Apart from safety and passenger insurance coverage issues, they said the increase service of drivers without permit through the Internet-based apps had affected income of the taxi drivers.
On a different matter, he said a total of 2,174 complaints were reported to MCMC on social media posting involving threats to national security until October.
"A total of 36 cases of online abuse were charged in court under Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 between 2009 and Oct 2015," he said.
He said amendments on the Act including heavier penalty under Section 211 and 233 were being drafted before submitted to Attorney-General Chambers. The amendment bill, he said, is expected to be tabled in Parliament next year.