Mahathir: We will abolish Grab, ride-sharing services if opposition takes over government

(NST, 30 April 2018) – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has pledged to abolish e-hailing services if the opposition come into power. Sinar Harian, in a report on Saturday quoted the opposition leader, speaking at a campaign event in Langkawi, as saying that the opposition wants to abolish e-hailing applications and services.

“The problem with Grab not only affects Langkawi but the whole of Malaysia,” he said. Grab, he said, “ruins the livelihood” of regular taxi drivers and that the opposition will also review the issue when it takes over the government.

Other news reports indicate that at least 50,000 registered Grab drivers would be affected if Grab and similar ride-sharing applications are curbed in any way.

Ride-sharing applications have generally been viewed as a cheaper public transportation option compared to regular taxis. It is estimated that at least 50,000 registered Grab drivers would be directly affected if the opposition decides to do away with e-hailing services.

Previous reports had indicated that many Malaysians drive for Grab (and previously Uber) not just to supplement their income, with some also seeing it as their main source of income. Such a move, say analysts, would also severely hamper urban mobility.

The government has since taken steps to bridge the gap between taxis and ride-sharing services by implementing several key initiatives. As of April 6, ride-sharing drivers are subject to the same regulations and requirements as taxi drivers, where as e-hailing drivers will need to undergo evaluations involving their background, traffic offences, health, training level and vehicle roadworthiness.