Loke: Govt has no plans to regulate e-hailing charges

 

PARLIAMENT | Transport Minister Anthony Loke today said the government has no immediate plans to regulate e-hailing charges.

This includes proposals for the government to impose a minimum charge or raise the current ceiling on the percentage of commission per trip for e-hailing companies.

“For me, if what is requested is to increase the (minimum) charge, that will have an implication.

“The implication will be an increase in ride fares for passengers,” Loke told the Dewan Rakyat during Minister's Question Time today.

“We need to look at a balance, where e-hailing utilises a dynamic pricing mechanism that relies on supply and demand.

“Sometimes, maybe the rate is low. But overall, still worth it (for drivers),” the Seremban MP said in response to Larry Sng (Parti Bangsa Malaysia-Julau) who asked whether the government will take follow-up actions after meetings with e-hailing companies, particularly on measures to increase drivers’ income.

Loke further said while the government will maintain its existing policy to not impose a minimum charge or increase commission for companies, there will be ongoing discussions with e-hailing companies on internal mechanisms to incentivise their drivers.

Among others, he said one e-hailing company has an initiative to alert drivers on special incentives during a specific time, allowing drivers to better plan their trips.