Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced to the press today that bike-hailing companies such as Gojek and local startup Dego Ride will be allowed to start trial operations in January 2020.
The bike-hailing companies can start operating based on a proof-of-concept (POC) basis to measure demand for the service over a period of six months.
In an about-turn from its initial objections of the service citing safety reasons, the government gave the green light to the “motorcycle e-hailing service concept” in September.
The government is currently formulating the necessary framework for bike-hailing and the trial period will allow the government to evaluate the efficacy and viability of the service. If the trials prove positive, the government may amend and tabulate bike-hailing laws at the Dewan Rakyat before presenting to the Senate.
Bike-hailing will be subjected to similar regulations laid out for e-hailing.
Within the trial period, interested bike-hailing companies can make an application with the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) and also fulfil other requirements including to register with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).
Specifically for e-hailing riders, they must posses a full license and be aged above 18 years old. They can only ferry one passenger at a time, who are not less than 18 years old.
Bike-hailing motorcycles must not be more than five years old with rider and passengers insured. Riders and their motorcycles must also be clearly be identifiable during the POC. It is unclear how this will be implemented; perhaps similar to the e-hailing industry with physical (and electronic e-hailing) stickers displayed on vehicles.
Loke said that the pilot project will be limited to the Klang Valley, although the government may consider expanding it to other regions if there is demand.
The Road Transport Department (JPJ) and police will be responsible in enforcing laws based on the Road Transport Act.
VIA The Star Online
Header image: Gojek
