Loke: Special code for e-hailing cars

PUTRAJAYA: Private cars used for e-hailing business will not be classified as commercial vehicles in ownership grants after conversion to “AH” code, says Anthony Loke.

The Transport Minister said the special code given to vehicles used for e-hailing is only for the Road Transport Department’s (JPJ) administrative purposes, and does not affect the car’s official status.

“The AH code is created only for JPJ’s administration purpose and will be reflected in their MySIKAP records, to indicate the vehicle is used for e-hailing purposes.

“This code will not appear in the vehicle’s ownership grant. So if a driver decides to sell his car, it is still classified as a personal vehicle.

“So there is no need for drivers or car owners to go to JPJ to make changes, because the eVP (e-hailing vehicle permit) information stored in APAD (Land Public Transport Agency) will automatically convert the code to AH in MySIKAP, ” said Loke at a press conference here.

He admitted that the situation caused confusion in the e-hailing industry, which also sparked heated arguments at JPJ offices nationwide.

“We are aware of the confusion it has caused, and I apologise to the e-hailing drivers who took the trouble to go to JPJ offices, as well as JPJ officers who unfortunately were scolded, ” he said.

The minister dismissed claims that the government is doing a “u-turn” as there is no change in policy.

“In May, I announced that there will be no requirement for e-hailing drivers to change their car licence into a commercial licence. That remains unchanged.

“We have also announced that the regulated e-hailing industry will be enforced on Oct 12, that too will proceed as planned.

“But this does not mean that we will immediately go after every vehicle on Oct 12, our enforcement will be done in stages.

“It is not our intention to disrupt the e-hailing industry, ” he said.

Loke also clarified that it is not compulsory for e-hailing drivers to print their eVP.

“Printing it is only for reference purposes. Their eVP number is already in the MySIKAP system.

“So drivers need not worry if they do not have the printouts with them during enforcement, there will not be any effect on them.”

Loke also said the e-hailing drivers who had already passed their Passenger Service Vehicle (PSV) examinations but are still in the process of obtaining PSV are free to drive.

“At present, 69,053 have passed their exams but only 54,483 have been issued with licences.

“You can start driving and won’t be in trouble with enforcement, ” he assured the drivers.

Malaysia E-hailing Drivers Association president Daryl Chong lauded Loke’s announcements that took a rakyat-friendly approach in addressing issues plaguing the drivers.

“We are glad the minister listened to our grouses and allowed leniency to make things easy as we are just days away from the regulation deadline.

“With his announcements, e-hailing service disruption will be minimal come Saturday, ” he said, adding that moving forward, the government should be mindful of any policy change and possible confusion that may arise in the future.

Earlier, MCA Civil Society Coordination Bureau chief Ng Kian Nam, who is a lawyer representing e-hailing groups, said drivers insist on a dialogue session with Loke.

“No matter what u-turn the government decides to implement, we will not do a u-turn and insist that minister holds a dialogue with all of us tomorrow (today), ” he said.

Source: TheStar