Micromobility vehicle ban: MCA hits back at DAP duo with 'video evidence'

MCA today drew attention to several video clips of electric scooter users misbehaving as a response to DAP lawmakers who criticised the ban on such vehicles.

At a press conference today, MCA spokesperson Mike Chong played the video clips before the press, including footage allegedly depicting the police stopping a group for improper use of electric scooters in George Town, Penang.

"Does DAP condone this? I urged (Teluk Intan MP) Nga Kor Ming to talk to Penang Chief Minister (Chow Kon Yeow) to see (if the latter) condones such behaviour," said Mike.

Another video clip shown by Mike depicted an electric scooter exploding while being charged at home.

Mike said the Transport Ministry was concerned that such devices might combust when it is used on the road.

To a question, Mike, who also served as the special functions officer to Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong, said he wasn't aware of any such incidents happening before and hoped it wouldn't happen.

'Opposition exploiting issue'

Meanwhile, Mike said he would be sending out a letter in two days challenging Nga to a debate on the matter.

He said Nga and Keranji assemblyperson Chong Zhemin were being populist for organising a protest on the ban in Kampar, Perak, on May 3.

Mike said the protest was intended to inaccurately portray the government as oppressive even though the government had made it clear that disabled people can use mobility aids on public roads.

Since April, Putrajaya began enforcing rules forbidding a range of electric vehicles - collectively described as micromobility vehicles - from public roads.

Following this, Nga and Zhemin criticised the ban because it would affect disabled persons, students and housewives who need such vehicles to get around.

'Not a total ban'

Mike said that the Transport Ministry was not imposing a total ban, and the Housing and Local Government Ministry will have a say in the matter.

"Owners of such vehicles will be able to use them under certain situations. We have requested the local government ... to announce the guidelines," he said.

As an example, he said Kuala Lumpur City Hall would be deciding on whether such vehicles could be used in the Titiwangsa Park or KLCC area.

Mike could not provide a deadline for when the guidelines will be ready. - Mkini