E-hailing drivers fret over new regulations

They say added costs might make it unviable for them to continue operating in the sector.

KUALA LUMPUR: E-hailing drivers are complaining of the alleged cruelty of regulations newly imposed on them, which require them to fork out money for licences and inspection fees.

Drivers interviewed by FMT said their take-home pay would be greatly reduced.

Part-time driver Mazrul Mazlan, who operates only after he is relieved of his day job, said the regulations had made it pointless for him to continue driving for fares.

“We have to pay our company an enormous percentage of what we get for each trip and also pay for our petrol and the servicing of our cars,” he said.

He added that he believed people would now be deterred from signing up with e-hailing firms. “It’s better for us to become taxi drivers.”

Another driver calling himself David said the regulations were “a bit harsh”.

“I may just stop driving,” he said.

David told FMT a driver’s take-home income, even before the new regulations, was half of the fare collection after petrol and servicing fees were factored in.

“Imagine how much less we can keep when we are made to pay for the license and inspection.”

Two days ago, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the regulations, governing both e-hailing and conventional taxi drivers, were drafted to ensure a level playing field between them.

He said e-hailing companies must be registered with the Land Public Transport Commission as a mediation business and would be charged a fee.

He also said vehicles older than three years would have to undergo annual inspections at Puspakom, the computerised vehicle inspection facility. An inspection costs RM55.

E-hailing companies are not allowed to take more than 20% of the drivers’ earnings as commission. They are also limited to 10% of the takings of taxi drivers using their applications.

College student Ayee Mazlan said he was worried about the treatment he might get from taxi drivers following the implementation of the rules as they would be competitors subjected to the same rules.

Ayee has worked as an e-hailing driver with two different companies over the past year. He said he had often encountered unfriendly taxi drivers and that some had even intimidated his passengers.

He said the strict rules might encourage drivers to operate underground.

“If you push them too hard, they will just operate on direct calls,” he said. -FMT