JPJ to take action on Private Cars used for Uber service

Just when you thought the authorities would give the Uber regulation issue a rest, JPJ – the Land Transport Department of Malaysia says they will be cracking down on Uber vehicles that are found to be private cars. According to its director-general Datuk Seri Ismail Ahmad, any individual or companies offering taxi-like service with private vehicles can be fined between RM1,000 to RM10,000 or put behind bars for a year. The crackdown will begin on 1st October.

He added that the usage of private vehicles for public transport is an offence under Section 16 of the Land Public Transportation Act 2010. Taxis and Limousine vehicles that uses the Uber app would not be affected.

If you’re new to Uber, they are a driver on demand service where you can request for vehicle with a professional driver from your smart phone. They currently operate in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru

As far as we know, the UberBlack service in KL has been operating with car rental and limousine fleets while the drivers do carry a PSV (Public Service Vehicle) license. A few Uber drivers did show us their license as well as a copy of their vehicle registration card which looks like they have gotten the necessary permits and commercial insurance sorted. When the Uber KL issue first came out, SPAD chairman says that Uber is allowed to operate provided that it had the necessary permits to operate.

Obviously the taxi associations have been mulling for action to be taken on Uber as it had affected their income. No doubt that the action by JPJ is good as riding in a private vehicle with no passenger liability insurance would be a big risk for consumers. But what about taxis that are in questionable condition and drivers that refuse to use their meters?

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