More UBER drama?
So despite the UBER service being legal after all, The Star Online has reported that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) has decided to conduct a nationwide crack down beginning October 1st (Wednesday) against individuals providing transportation services using the UBER application.
According to JPJ director-general Datuk Seri Ismail Ahmad, private vehicles (read: UberX) found providing the taxi-like services would be impounded. He also said that using private vehicles as public transports is an offence under Section 16 of the Land Public Transportation Act 2010. As such, individuals or companies providing the services could also be fined between RM1,000 and RM10,000 or jailed up to a year.
“It is similar to teski sapu or illegal taxi and that is why we are taking action to stop it.”
“The public should be aware that by using private vehicles as taxi, they are not covered by any insurance should they get involved in any accident,” he said.
However, Ismail did say that taxis and limousines using the Uber application would not be affected. We’ve previously came up with a list as to why Uber should be allowed to operate and we stick by that list.
What are your thoughts on this situation? Do share by sounding off in the comments section below!
(UPDATE)
Uber bites back.
Once again, Uber has been flagged by Malaysian authorities — the most recent one involves JPJ’s crack down on Uber as reported by The Star Online. In regards to that, Uber’s regional office in Singapore has officially released a statement to help shed a light on the situation. The statement is as follows:
“This is clearly an attempt to protect the taxi industry that has failed its customers in Kuala Lumpur. Preventing our driver partners from earning a living and getting people safely and reliably around town doesn’t just hurt the residents and visitors, it hurts the city. Uber is providing safer, cheaper and more reliable transportation options for riders and we’re creating more opportunities for drivers. Safety is our top priority and all riders can be assured that when you ride with Uber, you know that you’re riding with a safe and highly qualified driver with insurance coverage. Uber has and always will stand by our driver partners 100%.” – Mike Brown, Regional General Manager
This statement is definitely a lot fiercer as compared to its previous one. We will continue to update this post when we get further updates from all parties.
