SPAD to regulate app-based taxi services, Uber operators without permits declared illegal – report

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The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) is reportedly looking into the possibility of amending the current law(s) that would see app-based transport services such as Uber, GrabCar and the like regulated by the body. The Star reports that said move was introduced to help curb the rise of illegal taxis.

According to Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, a minister in the Prime Minister’s department, services such as Uber and whatnot are technically legal. However, the operation of vehicles under said platforms without the valid paperwork is, indeed, illegal. “Bookings through the apps to match taxi drivers that are not registered or licensed by SPAD and using private or rented cars are offences,” said Kassim.

“Using the vehicles (rented or personal) to provide a taxi service is a criminal offence under Section 16 of the Land Public Transport Act 2010, which clearly states that only those with an operator licence can provide public vehicle services,” he added.

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“In the long run, SPAD is weighing out amending the Land Public Transportation Commission Act and to draft a new policy to regulate taxi services based on the smart apps to ensure that Malaysia offers safe and satisfactory service to consumers,” announced Kassim in Parliament.

Aside from that, Kassim also confirmed that the authorities have sat down with the management of such services to discuss the issues surrounding the legality of it all – however, details of said discussions were not divulged to the public. Also, written notices have been distributed amongst licensed taxi operators to remind them on the consequences of taking the law into their own hands against Uber operators.

More recently, SPAD is set to introduce a raft of measures to help improve the stability of the taxi industry as a whole. Measures under the comprehensive review of said industry includes a closer look into the taxi leasing (“pajak”) system and a Centralised Taxi Service System (CTSS) to monitor taxi supply distribution and performance – the latter said to further optimise taxi supply during peak hours.

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Gregory Sze

An “actor” by training, Gregory Sze realised that he has had enough of drama in his life. Following his number one passion (acting was actually number two), he decided to make the jump into the realm of automotive journalism. He appreciates the simple things in life – a simple car with nothing but back-to-basics mechanical engineering and minimal electronics on board.

 

Comments

  • how about we give them (uber, taxi spad,tnb) parang .. put them in a close room and let them settle out.. that will be more interesting

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
    • SPAD is the Problem! on Oct 29, 2015 at 12:22 pm

      Actually, the big problem is SPAD. SPAD is allowing all this protest to go on. Why? Very simple.

      SPAD’s chairman Albar’s wife owns many teksi companies. When Uber and Grabcar came into Malaysia, her companies lost a lot of money and is losing a lot of money.

      So, SPAD, as any husband who is scared of his wife would do, quickly ban Uber and ban Grabcar.

      You see, in Malaysia, there is no such thing as CONFLICT OF INTEREST.

      SPAD is now closing an eye to all the violence by Teksi drivers because Albar’s wife is not happy with slow business.

      All these violence is approved by SPAD. Infact, it is indirectly sanctioned by SPAD.

      Don’t forget, besides Albar’s wife, ALL the licenses for companies running cabs are all owned by UMNO big boys.

      Nobody can touch them la. That is why they want to regulate Uber and App based cars.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 40 Thumb down 1
      • Maznah Uber on Oct 29, 2015 at 2:17 pm

        I am an avid Uber user and they have been nothing but kind and efficient in their services. As opposed to regular PERMITTED cabbies who usually try to snake their way around charges and routes, I’d say whoever this Albar’s wife is, she can go eff herself. Stupid B*tch.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 27 Thumb down 1
        • Uber and app car semua tipu. Saya suka teksi biasa.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 36
          • Anjing saya on Oct 29, 2015 at 8:11 pm

            Anjing saye pun suka teksi biasa kerana teksi biasa kotor n banyak tahi

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 0
          • trollmaster3000 on Oct 29, 2015 at 9:57 pm

            sebab abah ko keje jd drebar teksi jerr.. tuh pasal larr ko suke.. kan..??

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
          • shadow on Oct 29, 2015 at 10:12 pm

            John you bodoh or what? If Uber and grab car penipu. Then taxi is what? Your too stupid to live in this world. Shame on you…

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
          • Maznah Uber on Nov 01, 2015 at 9:25 am

            Mcm ni lah yg digemari menteri pembohong negara kita. Kesiannya masih ada lagi manusia bangang di luar sana.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • SPAD please make sure those taxi TURN ON their meter!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 0
    • Same L0rrrr on Oct 29, 2015 at 1:36 pm

      Talkok sendiri cakap sendiri syok. End of the day, if the big boys don’t have a cut, it is illegal. So simple.

      It is all about money. Don’t be naive.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • Samsonfox on Oct 29, 2015 at 12:51 pm

    SPAD wud come out with rules that wud support their cronies and leave out the privTe car owners. If uber and grabcar set up a company and have the private car owners register with them and provide training and insurance, they can go up against the cronies and gangsters who own the taxis.

    Problem is uber and grabcar do not want to come up with the funds for this but will take a cut from privat car owners instead and let them pandai2 evade Spad and the taxigangsters.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • siaocom on Oct 29, 2015 at 1:33 pm

    Another reason is they can’t earn for inspection fee frm Uber/GC cos they are under private car category. Tat day I saw 1 registered taxi with black tinted until can’t see inside. How this taxi can pass inspection? Does taxi also giving exemption for black tinted?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • gaviny on Oct 29, 2015 at 1:47 pm

    i heard uber now starting to tighten a lot their incentives for their drivers, no more so easy to make money, maybe it will fade off itself

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • This is correct. Uber reduced their incentive on 26 Oct 2015 from RM28 an hour to RM18 an hour. After deducting uber’s fee of 20%, makes it RM14.40 and hour. This is very unattractive for drivers. Possibly a lot of drivers will stop driving for Uber because of this reduction.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • ben yap on Oct 29, 2015 at 4:08 pm

    i guess they are gonna ask all app-sharing drivers to register their vehicle and get a license.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Taxi Lazy Bums on Mar 29, 2016 at 3:07 pm

    “to ensure that Malaysia offers safe and satisfactory service to consumers,” announced Kassim in Parliament.” …. seriously ??? Taxi or uber ??

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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