POPULAR e-hailing service provider GrabCar said it has yet to be formally informed of the Transport Ministry’s new regulations for the industry.

Sean Goh, the country head for Grab Malaysia, said it has just been alerted to the regulations, which take effect tomorrow.

“We have just been alerted to the regulations, and have yet to receive the formal operational directive.

“As part of the industry, we had hoped that we, like other players in the market, were consulted earlier, as this will affect hundreds of thousands of drivers across the country,” he said in a statement.

Nevertheless, he said, the company looks forward to engaging with Transport Minister Anthony Loke, as it understands the government’s measures to boost public transport nationwide.

“We look forward to actively engaging with Loke and his team in an open dialogue to clarify the details of the new regulations, and to ensure minimal interruptions to our driver-partners, operations and processes.”

Goh urged Grab drivers to be patient as the company studies the regulations and work out solutions that will have a minimal impact on drivers.

“We will assist our driver-partners through this transition, and keep them updated on any developments, as this affects their welfare and livelihood.”

He said the company is committed to working with the Pakatan Harapan government to promote a policy that encourages a level playing field, as well as provides better and safer services.

“We are committed to working with the government to promote and encourage a balanced policy framework that levels out the playing field, and enables us to continue our mission of providing better and safer transport services, while improving the livelihood of our partners.”

The ministry today announced that e-hailing service providers have one year to comply with a slew of new regulations.

One of the regulations is reducing the commission rate of e-hailing services for private vehicles from 25% to 20%. – July 11, 2018.