The issue of e-hailing drivers working for private airport transfer companies or taking on offline jobs has been an ongoing concern in Malaysia.
According to The Star, many e-hailing drivers facing a lack of available jobs on e-hailing platforms have turned to offering their services to ferry customers for private companies, especially for airport transfers.
This situation has resulted in customers frequently being denied the more affordable option of using e-hailing rides from places like KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport). Instead, passengers are compelled to opt for private transportation services. However, using these services is seen as risky since e-hailing drivers and their passengers may not be covered by insurance in such cases.
Gabungan Teksi Malaysia president, Kamarudin Mohd Hussain, has highlighted this as a longstanding issue that predates the rise of e-hailing services in Malaysia. He urged consumers to choose official and legitimate service providers when using ride services and encouraged them to seek assistance from the airport authorities in finding authorised transport services.
Kamarudin emphasised the need for the Road Transport Department to address this issue urgently and efficiently. He called for the enforcement unit to be revamped to tackle related issues promptly and transparently.
Daryl Chong, president of the Malaysia E-Hailing Drivers Association, pointed out that both consumers and drivers need to be aware of the risks associated with using or offering services through unauthorised channels. He noted that drivers taking on offline jobs face legal implications and potential difficulties in making insurance claims in case of accidents, emphasising the need for caution and adherence to legal regulations.
