JOHOR BAHRU, May 9 — The Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) has issued letters to cease operations to two Russian e-hailing apps, InDrive and Maxim, for allegedly operating illegally, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
"Effective July 24, InDrive and Maxim must cease operations in this country.
"The two ride-hailing companies can appeal, but the final decision rests with me,” he told the press after officiating the track reopening for cargo service operations for the Kempas Baru-Pasir Gudang route today.
On Monday (May 5), the Malaysian P-Hailing Riders Association urged the government to carry out strict enforcement action against the two e-hailing platforms, including blocking access to them, for offering services without complying with regulations under the existing act.
It claimed both platforms failed to ensure their drivers possessed valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licences, as required under Malaysian law.
In addition, the association also alleged that some drivers using both apps did not have e-hailing insurance and did not undergo vehicle inspections as stated under the stipulated terms and agreement.
APAD said the two e-hailing companies were found to have violated licensing conditions under the Land Public Transport Act 2010, including the requirement that all vehicles under their platforms must operate with a valid E-Hailing Vehicle Permit (EVP), which is one of the main conditions under their Intermediation Business Licence (IBL).
Such violations constitute an offence under Section 12D(1)(a) of the Act, which empowers the agency to revoke the licences of operators found violating the terms of their licence.
— Bernama