No Puspakom Inspection, GDL And PSV Licence For P-Hailing Riders – Dr Wee Ka Siong

(Image source: TheStar)

According to Datuk Seri Dr. Wee Ka Siong, P-hailing drivers won't be required to hold a Goods Driving Licence (GDL) or a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence.

The transport minister also added that drivers of food delivery services will not be subjected to Puspakom inspections either.

“It was untrue that P-hailing drivers who transport food and other items would need to have a GDL or a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence in order to drive, nor would they need to take their cars to Puspakom for inspection”,  he added in response to several videos claiming that the ministry are compelling all P-hailing riders to have a GDL licence.

Dr. Wee said the ministry intends to revise the Road Transport Act of 1987 to regulate the p-hailing sector, in which users will register through a system and receive licences.

(Image Source: NST)

"We want a special vocational licence for P-hailing riders. I guarantee that this will not be the same as GDLs that are compulsory for heavy vehicles," he said.

Dr. Wee also assured that a token will be given to P-hailing riders and it will not cost more than RM10. However, there had been suggestions to put a one-year hold on this requirement.

"These are all proposals and it will be fine-tuned through several engagement sessions for the (proposed amendment) bill," adds the Minster.

He also stated there are proposals for p-hailing drivers to undergo a short induction course for the licence. "It might be just three hours," he said, adding that the course could also be done online. "The method will be finalised and it will not be a burden," he continued.

According to him, the proposed registration of P-hailing users will also guarantee that the welfare of users is taken care of. "It is the government's wish to assist p-hailing groups, not make their lives harder. If we want to give aid, where can we obtain data on P-hailing drivers? Even E-hailing operators do not have a full list. With this system, we will know with just one click," he said.

Based on recent research from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros), the Integrated Transport Information System (Itis) tracked the driving habits of 16,038 motorists on 11 roadways in Kuala Lumpur. This raised concerns for Dr. Wee.

The study revealed that 62% of P-hailing riders made stops in pedestrian walkways and yellow boxes, 14% of them used cellphones while driving, 7% of them ran red lights and did illegal U-turns, and 3% of them drove against the flow of traffic.

Recent media reports suggested that changes to the Land Public Transport Act, the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board Act, and the Road Transport Act will make it necessary for P-hailing users to possess a GDL.

Dr. Wee stated on Monday that the Cabinet had approved changes to the Land Public Transport Act, the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board Act, and the Road Transport Act.

The creation of new licencing regulations and guaranteeing that delivery riders and drivers are insured are two of the suggested changes.

Other changes include lowering the minimum age for p-hailing riders from 21 to 18, at which point they will be eligible for a vocational licence.

(Image Source: TheStar)