E-HAILING drivers have been given a three-month extension to obtain the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence, said the transport minister today.

Anthony Loke said the cabinet decided to grant the three-month “grace period” as it wants to take a softer approach in dealing with the matter.

The ministry previously set a deadline of July 12 – today – for all e-hailing drivers to obtain the PSV licence, as part of a move to standardise the ride-sharing industry and taxi services.

However, not all drivers have complied, resulting in e-hailing companies warning of delays in service and higher fares.

The Malaysian Insight was told by an e-hailing drivers’ group that many of these companies have not suspended those who have yet to obtain the licence because “they need to continue working”.

Loke, in a statement, said: “The Transport Ministry, through the Road Transport Department, will take an educational approach towards e-hailing drivers.

“For the next three months, starting July 12, drivers caught without the PSV licence, or driving an unregistered vehicle, will be given advice and guidance, and a warning to fulfil the necessary requirements.”

Under the new ruling, drivers must undergo a six-hour training session and pay up to RM200 for the PSV licence, while cars older than three years must be sent to Puspakom for initial, and subsequently, annual, checks.

Other requirements include medical check-ups for drivers, Social Security Organisation contributions and additional insurance, as well as the installation of fire extinguishers in vehicles.

Earlier today, taxi drivers’ group Gabungan Teksi SeMalaysia (GTSM) urged the ministry to avoid performing a U-turn on its decision to enforce the PSV licence regulation on e-hailing drivers.

Kamarudin also demanded e-hailing companies respect the government’s decision to enforce the regulation, and warned that breaking these laws was akin to violating the sovereignty of the rule of law. – July 12, 2019.