Transport Minister, Anthony Loke earlier today has announced several important details regarding the rollout of bike-hailing service in Malaysia. The announcement was in response to questions from the MP of Setiawangsa, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad during this morning’s Dewan Rakyat session at the Parlimen.
For starters, Anthony has revealed that the pilot test of bike-hailing service will begin in January 2020. The test will take place over a period of 6 months in Klang Valley although other areas will be considered as well, subject to applications from bike-hailing operators and approval by related authorities.
Speaking about bike-hailing operators, Anthony has repeatedly highlighted that the pilot or proof-of-concept test is open to any companies that are registered in Malaysia. In order to participate in the test, they need to obtain the approvals from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) and also have to agree to share the operational data.
As for the riders themselves, they must be a full license holder and aged more than 18 years old. Additionally, their clothing and motorcycle must have an indication that they are operating as a bike-hailing rider. At the same time, the same minimum age requirement also applies to the passenger as well.
The minister made a point that this pilot test program is being done to see the effectiveness of bike-hailing service in solving the first and last mile connection issue for the transportation network in Malaysia. He further added that the data from this test will be used to craft the necessary regulations for the industry which could take more than six months since it needs to go through the Parlimen as well.
In other words, it is likely that we will see the full rollout of bike-hailing service in Malaysia only in 2021 and even that, it all depends on the outcome of this upcoming pilot test.
(Source: Anthony Loke’s official Facebook page.)
