SHAH ALAM - With growing concerns over drink-driving incidents, e-hailing platforms are positioning themselves as a safer and more reliable alternative for Malaysians, particularly after social gatherings involving alcohol.
Through features like real-time trip sharing, SOS alerts and professional driver training, e-hailing platforms in Malaysia help improve passenger safety, especially for those who might otherwise drive under the influence of alcohol.
Leading e-hailing platform Grab Malaysia emphasised its commitment to helping passengers reach their destinations safely while encouraging Malaysians to opt for e-hailing instead of driving after drinking.
“Grab has developed a strong in-app safety ecosystem, incorporating features such as SOS, real-time trip sharing and AudioProtect, which enables night-time audio recording for added security.
“Grab mandates safety training for all drivers, equipping them with the skills to handle difficult or intoxicated passengers,” it said.
The company also maintains a clear safety-first policy, allowing drivers to refuse or end trips if they feel unsafe.
Meanwhile, Maxim Malaysia has broadened its commitments and has expanded its road safety efforts through collaborations with government bodies, public organisations and driving schools.
“Maxim conducts safety seminars with the Road Transport Department (RTD) across various regions and regularly shares safety information and reminders through its communication channels.
“The company also uses traditional and social media platforms to raise awareness among drivers about in-app safety features and we intend to continue strengthening these efforts moving forward,” it said.
Maxim is also active in advertising materials in clubs and pubs, encouraging people not to drive after drinking and to choose e-hailing instead.
“We see this kind of communication as a practical way to remind people of a safer option for getting home,” it said.
Another e-hailing service, Bolt said it provides an accessible, on-demand transport option that plays a meaningful role in encouraging safer travel choices, particularly when individuals are unfit to drive.
Its general manager Afzan Lutfi said Bolt’s safety ecosystem includes features such as Emergency Assist, trip sharing, driver verification, in-app audio recording, trusted contacts and behavioural monitoring tools to enhance safety for both drivers and passengers.
He said the platform also operates a late-night availability strategy between 10pm and 4am, targeting high-risk hours typically associated with nightlife activity.
“Bolt continuously monitors demand patterns through dynamic supply incentives, demand forecasting and ongoing driver engagement to ensure consistent availability in key areas,” he said.
He added that all Bolt drivers are licensed by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), hold valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licences and are allowed to decline or cancel trips if they feel unsafe, including situations involving visibly intoxicated passengers.
Meanwhile, inDrive driver operations manager Azlan Anwar said while drivers are unable to assess whether a passenger has consumed alcohol, the platform has introduced several in-app safety tools to protect both drivers and passengers.
“To support safer journeys, inDrive integrated safety features into the app such as Real-Time Trip Sharing, an SOS Button for direct emergency contact.
“We also integrate a comprehensive driver verification process,” he said.
He said inDrive’s collaboration with key stakeholders in Malaysia to further strengthen safety awareness across the e-hailing sector.
He added that inDrive organised a safety panel and workshop with the police, bringing together drivers, passengers and community representatives to discuss safety challenges and practical solutions.
“We believe collaboration like this is important in helping build a safer and more responsible mobility ecosystem,” he said.
It was reported that on March 29, warehouse worker and delivery rider Amirul Hafiz Omar, 33, was killed after a car driven by a man in his 20s who tested positive for both alcohol and drugs crashed into his motorcycle.
The incident emphasises the persistent dangers of impaired driving and strengthens the need for accessible and reliable transport alternatives, including e-hailing services.