Matta lauds SPAD move to disallow private vehicles for chaffeur services

Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Vice-President for Ground Transportation, Jaya Kumar welcomes the firm stand taken by the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) in not allowing private vehicles to be hired for chauffeur-driven services.

“Phone apps such as Uber using private cars to provide pseudo taxi services would put passengers and other road users at risk as the motor insurance would be null and void when a vehicle under private registration is used for commercial purpose.

“Such apps do not actually indicate the whereabouts of taxis or Uber vehicles, but merely the location of phones used by participating drivers.

“Anyone in possession of a registered phone would be able to detect requests for transport and drivers with bad intention can exploit passengers in isolated places where they are most vulnerable,” Jaya said in a statement Monday.

He said a level playing field would promote healthy competition and fair pricing, adding that passengers' safety can only be assured through licensing of both operators and drivers.

"A healthy, sustainable and safe industry would be achievable when genuine operators are allowed to participate,” said Jaya.