Uber and the Land Public Transportation Commission (SPAD) appear to have set aside their differences and come to an agreement. The ride-sharing service will not be banned or suspended in Malaysia as it will comply with Malaysia transportation laws; although how this affects the budget Uber X has not been clarified.
Uber Asia Pacific head of public policy Jordan Condo that they will operate according to the Malaysian transportation laws assured SPAD that his company would not fun afoul of the countries laws. Local drivers are required to have a Public Service Vehicle driving license in order to pick up customers, something Uber has previously ignored while recruiting local drivers for its service.
This does not mean that SPAD will begin to leave Uber alone. The Commission has said that it will continue to crack down on individuals who abuse their hire-and-drive license to pick up passengers. Which means that Uber will now have to ensure that all its drivers in Malaysia apply for the other license, as well as register their private vehicles to provide a service.
It is likely that expanded insurance requirements will also be required by Uber drivers as the lack of insurance coverage for passengers is one of the main arguments against allowing the service to operate.
This turn of events is directly opposite of the stance taken in neighbouring Thailand that has recently banned Uber from operating in the country. It also makes Malaysia one of the few countries that has managed to come to an agreement with the often controversial service that allows it to operate freely.
[Source: The Sun Daily]
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