Loke: No Rush on Dashcam Mandate for E-Hailing

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has warned against rushing to mandate dashcams with audio recording in e-hailing vehicles and taxis, saying the issue goes beyond safety alone, reported The Star.

Loke said while such devices could help protect passengers and drivers, the implications for data control and privacy must be carefully examined before any decision is made.

He noted that footage and audio captured by dashcams are typically stored by drivers, raising questions over data ownership, retention and deletion. Without clear safeguards, a well-intentioned move could open the door to new problems.

Speaking after an appearance on 988’s Morning Up programme, Loke said Malaysia must assess the issue based on local conditions rather than mirror overseas decisions.

He was responding to Hong Kong’s plan to require taxis to install dashcams from early next year, stressing that data protection remains a key concern for the government.

Malaysian E-Hailing Drivers Association president Jose Rizal said safety measures should be approached systematically and not introduced only in response to isolated incidents.

He said technologies such as dashcams and trip-activated in-app recording features could offer balanced protection for both drivers and passengers, while also strengthening investigations when disputes arise.

However, Jose said any mandatory requirement should be introduced gradually and with clear rules, taking into account costs, privacy safeguards and the roles of regulators, platforms and drivers.

He added that policies shaped by prevention, shared responsibility and proper enforcement would help ensure passenger safety while supporting the long-term growth of Malaysia’s e-hailing industry.