Pakatan Harapan: cabbies and e-hailing drivers should compete on level playing fields.

Rafizi calls for level playing field for both cabbies and drivers of e-hailing services

Emmanuel Santa Maria Chin
The Malay Mail Online30 April 2018






Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli stands firm with his opinion that cabbies and e-hailing drivers should compete on level playing fields. ― Picture by Miera ZulyanaMore



KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — In the wake of controversy surrounding the opposition’s’ stance on e-hailing services, the PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli stands firm with his opinion that cabbies and e-hailing drivers should compete on level playing fields.

“My position has always been consistent, where we need to make sure that it is fair for all, cabbies and e-hailing drivers,” said Rafizi during a press conference at Invoke Malaysia today.

“There is a big disparity that puts cabbies at disadvantage, so that has to be addressed,” he added.

Rafizi said cabbies and e-hailing drivers are subjected to two different regulations.

“They (e-hailing) do not need a permit, or Puspakom checks.

“This has caused those in e-hailing to have an advantage over the taxi drivers,” said Rafizi in response to the heat Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad received after he was reported saying the opposition would abolish the ride-hailing service should they take over federal government.

The statement was later refuted and clarified by Dr Mahathir himself, saying he had instead call for a review of both sets of regulations to e-hailing drivers and cabbies.

Dr Mahathir had alleged that the Malay daily that published the comments was publishing fake news.

Rafizi added, e-hailing drivers were also on the receiving end, as they were at the mercy of the ride sharing companies.

“There is no form of regulation from the percentage of commission that can be taken by the company.

“The only ones profiting in this industry are the permit holders,” he said.

Rafizi said the main issue would be for the government to protect its people working in the industry.

“We want to level the playing field. I think cabbies should also have a good application, it will make it more competitive,” he said.