Taxi drivers report minister to MACC over ride-hailing policies

A taxi organisation has reported Transport Minister Anthony Loke to the MACC over policies said to be beneficial to ride-hailing companies.

Gabungan Teksi Semalaysia (GTSM) claimed today that Loke had abused his power by introducing such policies.

Among the policies that the organisation is unhappy with is the option for ride-hailing drivers to take their Public Service Vehicles (PSV) course online. 

Drivers must still be physically present for the PSV examination, however.

"Of late, Loke has used his position to alter the rules that are intended to safeguard the safety of drivers, passengers and road users," said GTSM president Kamarudin Hussain, who made the report at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya.

"These were amended without consultation. He is doing this in the interest of (ride-hailing company) Grab." 

Kamarudin also claimed that GTSM were snubbed by the minister, stating that eight of their letters to him have gone unanswered.

"He closed negotiations and even considered us rude and rebellious because we are dissatisfied with him," he said.

Kamarudin said he is not demanding that Grab be outlawed, but merely wants equal treatment between ride-hailing and taxi services. - Mkini