SPAD, Uber discuss best ways to ensure passengers’ safety

This follows the recent incident in Puchong where a Uber driver is alleged to have robbed a pregnant woman.

KUCHING: The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) and Uber are discussing the best measures to ensure the safety and comfort of users of this taxi service.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nancy Shukri today said the department took note of the recent robbery committed by a Uber driver on a woman passenger although it had been classified as a criminal case by police.

“We are not washing it (the robbery case) off our hands as SPAD is acting on the issue.

“Today, they (SPAD) had a meeting with Uber. I will also meet Uber representatives tomorrow to discuss what more can be done.

“At present, Uber has not been licensed or regulated, thus we are unable to take legal action against it.

“Action can only be taken by the police as it is a criminal case as we and Uber currently have no links yet.”
Nancy said this to reporters when asked to comment on the case of a Uber driver robbing a woman passenger in Puchong, Selangor, on May 21.

“When the e-hailing regulations are passed by Parliament (expected at the next sitting), operators of the e-hailing services will be responsible for practising a high level of safety and service standards.

“We will fine-tune what needs to be done to ensure the safety and comfort of the service users,” she said.

Nancy said a robbery could take place recently even though the driver involved had records with Uber.

“That is why in the bill, we want to see what safety aspects need to be tightened in the contract and terms and conditions with the service providers.”

Earlier, Nancy paid a courtesy call on Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Chief Minister’s Office in Wisma Bapa Malaysia here. -FMT