PETALING JAYA: Physically-challenged drivers (OKU) may be able to apply for their Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence from May onwards.
Under the existing regulations, OKU drivers are not allowed to apply for the PSV license.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said at present, there are about 300 to 400 OKU drivers registered with e-hailing operators.
“It’s a policy matter and we are doing it immediately. We hope that by May, OKU drivers can register for the PSV licence.
“Currently, we are talking about 300 to 400 OKU drivers registered with e-hailing operators. They will be given priority for undergoing the courses,” he told a press conference after launching Grab’s passenger verification feature here on Thursday.
He said the process to amend the current PSV regulations is currently being done to ensure that come July 12, when the regulations for e-hailing operators come into force, OKU drivers can continue to drive.
“From now to July 12, there will not be any enforcement. They (OKU drivers) have been driving for years since Grab first started.
“As current regulations do not allow OKU drivers to apply for the PSV licence, we will amend the regulation so that OKU drivers are able to register for the licence,” he said.
On March 31, Loke said his ministry had held discussions with e-hailing companies and would consider amending the regulations as existing regulations do not allow drivers with disabilities to apply for the licence.
Meanwhile, Loke reiterated that the ministry will not extend the July 12 deadline for e-hailing drivers to undergo the PSV course to obtain the licence.
He called on drivers to view it from a perspective where they would have a secure environment to continue operating.
“The whole industry is being legalised and regulated so that you will have a more secure environment to operate in.
“We do not want the industry to remain continuously in dispute as there are already fights between traditional taxis and e-hailing operators.
“We hope that everyone can cooperate so that they can operate in a legal manner. Look at the long-term benefits. You only need to take the licence once and the next year onwards, it’s just a matter of renewing the licence,” he said.
He said as of now, out of 25 e-hailing operators who has registered to obtain the PSV licence, 16 operators have been given the full approval.
He also said more than 1,000 e-hailing drivers have already applied for the PSV licence and urged others to not wait until the last minute.
The PSV, which costs RM115 per year, is a type of vocational driving licence that allows one to drive any type of commercial vehicle used for paying passengers such as taxis and buses.
E-hailing drivers who undergo the PSV exam will be subjected to background screenings, medical checkups, and undergo a special six-hour driving training module, costing RM200 per person, at driving school or companies accredited by the Land Transport Agency (APAD).
Since July last year, the Transport Ministry has been regulating e-hailing services through the SPAD Act (2017 amendment) and Commercial Vehicle License Act (2017 amendment).