InDrive, formerly known as InDriver, announced that it has received a business mediation licence (LPP) to operate e-hailing services in Malaysia from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD). It stated that it has resolved all matters pertaining to the LPP, which is required to operate the service here.
According to InDrive, it received the licence from the agency on 15 June 2023 after its app was vetted to ensure it meets all the necessary requirements, promising that it is committed to complying with the law and providing a reliable service. The company added that after engaging with APAD, the existing safety features on the app were enhanced, although it did not specify what improvements were made.
To recall, the company known as InDriver at the time had its Malaysian office raided by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) last September for allegedly operating in the country with an expired licence. Back in 2020, the Malaysia E-Hailing Drivers Association advised ride-hailing drivers and users not to utilise InDriver as the service was operating without a valid licence at that time.
Prior to that, the Ministry of Transport (MoT) stated that an unnamed ride-hailing operator (believed to be InDriver) was denied from renewing its licence. This was apparently because its app was not able to display the driver’s E-hailing Vehicle Permit (eVP) or allow passengers to identify their drivers.
On APAD’s list of licenced ride-hailing operators on its website, InDrive has yet to be added back, although this is probably because it has not been updated since 7 June. The company is headquartered in California and operates in 47 countries.
Another ride-hailing company, Maxim, recently also got in trouble with the authorities due to many of its drivers operating with expired permits. Shortly afterwards, the firm rectified the issue and updated its database.
