E-hailing association says GDL won't solve current problems

SHAH ALAM - Malaysian e-Hailing Association chief activist Jose Rizal said the Transport Ministry’s move to mandate p-hailing riders to obtain the Goods Driving Licence (GDL) as a solution is seen as a hasty decision and goes against the flow.

He said this would still not solve the current problems.

“We were surprised with the announcement made by the ministry following a recent dialogue session.

“The level of service in each agency linked to the Transport Ministry should be prepared in facing the current situation before implementing a new responsibility," he said in a statement.

On Monday, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the three amendments to the transport act required p-hailing riders to have a GDL.

He said the amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987, the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board Act 1987 and the Land Public Transport Act 2010 which will be tabled at the next Parliament session would also include lowering the age limit for p-hailing riders from 21 to 18 years old.

"Basically, the cabinet has agreed with the all the drafts of the amendments of the bill," he said.

He said GDL was very important because as it will allow the ministry to better regulate the gig economy.