PUTRAJAYA: E-hailing drivers without public service vehicle (PSV) licence can still operate for the next three months, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said.
This follows the decision by the Cabinet which convened a meeting today and agreed to adopt a “soft landing” approach over enforcement of PSV licence involving e-hailing drivers.
It was previously reported that the deadline by the Transport Ministry to regulate e-hailing was supposed to start today.
“The ministry through the Road Transport Department will adopt an approach to educate e-hailing drivers in phases.
“Within these three months beginning July 12 (today), e-hailing drivers found operating without PSV licence will be educated, given advice and a slap with a final warning to adhere with the required regulations,” he told a media conference here today.
Until yesterday, Loke said a total of 17,596 e-hailing Vehicle Permits (eVPs) had been issued. From the total, 13,380 eVPs were issued to private vehicle owners while the remaining were issued to taxi drivers.
“The number of eVPs issued will increase from time to time after all drivers have obtained their PSV licence,” he said.
A total of 31,731 candidates, Loke said, had registered for courses and PSV licence examination at 226 driving institutes nationwide.
“Of the amount, a total of 25,248 candidates had completed their course and 19,891 candidates had passed the PSV licence examination,” he said.
He added 16,528 candidates had attended PSV courses organised by their respective e-hailing operators (EHO) headquarters.\