Uber, the vehicle for hire and ridesharing service that has become popular the world over for its competitive prices and easy-to-use mobile apps, has been reminded by the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) to adhere to Malaysian laws, rules and regulations.
SPAD cited several sticking points in regards to Uber’s operations in Malaysia, such as the use of private vehicles to carry passengers for a fee, which runs against the Land Public Transport Act 2010.
Some of the drivers operating under Uber’s auspices also did not have a Public Service Vehicle driving license, which is an offence under the Road Transport Act 1987.
“In an effort to reach out and ensure that Uber complies with Malaysian laws, SPAD has attempted to contact Uber by telephone and by email but to date, Uber has not responded nor replied to any of SPAD’s outreach attempts,” the commission said in a statement yesterday, as reported by Bernama.
SPAD added that Uber vehicles were not currently covered by commercial insurance, and might not go through Puspakom’s semi-annual inspections.
The commission added that while Uber’s business model might present challenges to public transport regulators the world over, SPAD was adopting a pragmatic approach, and was prepared to allow Uber to continue operating in Malaysia provided the company ensures its services are conducted by licensed drivers and vehicles.
“As the regulator in charge of Malaysia’s land public transport, SPAD takes compliance to the law, local rules and regulations very seriously.
“And while the public may be satisfied with Uber’s services now, without rules and regulations, there is no guarantee that the public is protected in the long run,” it said.
On Sunday, several taxi operators and associations called on SPAD to act on Uber, claiming that the company had adversely affected the livelihood of taxi drivers in the Klang Valley.
Uber currently offers consumers in KL a choice between its standard UberBLACK chauffeur service and the lower-cost UberX service.
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