Prioritise local players, says Dego Ride boss after Gojek gets green light
Nurul Azwa Aris
-August 23, 2019 8:00 AM
Gojek an Indonesian home-grown ride-hailing business will soon be introduced in Malaysia.PETALING JAYA: The owner of Malaysia’s first motorcycle ride-hailing service, Dego Ride, hopes the government will prioritise local players, following its decision to introduce Gojek in Malaysia.
Dego Ride founder Nabil Feisal Bamadhaj said local players could be given the opportunity to develop a niche market and carve a name for themselves.
“My wish is that Dego Ride can be provided a certain niche market in the ride-hailing service market, for us to flourish in it. You can still allow competitors, but we can have a niche market where we can specialise in,” he told FMT.
Nabil Feisal Bamadhaj.Previously, Entrepreneur Development Minister Redzuan Yusof had said the Cabinet had agreed to introduce motorcycle ride-hailing service Gojek in Malaysia, but that there was no decision yet on the regulations.
Gojek is an Indonesian home-grown giant ride-hailing business.
Redzuan said new legislation would be presented before year end.
Last year, Loke had said Putrajaya did not intend to legalise motorcycle ride-hailing services any time soon so as to protect the safety of riders and passengers, in view of the high number of motorcycle accidents recorded nationwide over the years.
In 2017, the government banned Dego Ride over safety concerns for motorcyclists and pillion riders. The transport ministry said an analysis found that the risk of motorcyclists being involved in fatal accidents was 42.5 times higher than that for buses and 16 times higher than that involving cars.
Nabil said he welcomed the government’s decision to allow such services to operate in the country.
“It is not only a green light for Gojek but also to allow Dego Ride to re-start our services.”
He expects a good response from the public for the motorcycle ride-hailing service.
