KUALA LUMPUR: The recent legalisation of e-hailing services is a major breakthrough for the country, as it will help Malaysia achieve its 40 per cent public transportation modal share target by 2030.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said last-mile transportation, such as taxis, buses and e-hailing services, will play a crucial part in achieving the 40 per cent target.
"We are now moving into the digital era. We are confident of providing a more efficient service after the legalisation of e-hailing services.
"I will say that this is an important public transportation milestone.
"I am confident that Malaysia’s public transportation will be further enhanced with the new regulations," he told reporters after opening the 45th Youth Malaysian Movement meeting at Vivatel this morning.
E-hailing ride services were legalised in Malaysia when the Land Public Transport (Amendment) Bill and the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (Amendment) Bill were passed in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday.
Malaysia is the first country in the world to regulate e-hailing services, which include Uber and Grab.
Now, rules and regulations imposed on conventional taxi drivers will also apply to e-hailing service drivers. This includes regulations on medical check-ups, periodic vehicle inspections, insurance requirements and driver identification cards.