JUST yesterday (May 9), Russian e-hailing platforms InDrive and Maxim have been ordered to cease operations in Malaysia by July 24 for violating transport laws. Offences include using unlicensed drivers, lacking insurance, and failing vehicle inspections.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook confirmed the order, citing public safety and regulatory breaches under the Land Public Transport Act 2010.
However, netizens are wary of the fact that these e-hailing companies are targeted in this ordeal. Netizens feel there are a plethora of transportation problems in the country that are not addressed. They asked why Grab is allowed to monopolise the business while not considering the charges laid against the rivals.
So Grab monopoly is it? Bab benda lain boleh pulak bincang. Kes lori pun tak settle settle. Emang dasar menteri plate number 😪 https://t.co/SAdcuQUqpP
— Aniq Shamsul (@_aniqshamsul) May 9, 2025
Additionally, users listed other e-hailing companies that are not affected by this ban, saying that there are alternatives to the biggest player in the market. However, others responded, saying these companies are significantly smaller, and some even forgot about them.
air asia ride masih wujud? Dah terlupa kewujudan diorang 🥲
— Helmi Razali (@HelmiRazali) May 9, 2025
air asia ride masih wujud? Dah terlupa kewujudan diorang 🥲
— Helmi Razali (@HelmiRazali) May 9, 2025
Another user sarcastically said that instead of launching an e-hailing business, it should have been a lorry transportation business where those causing accidents are not actually tackled. But other netizens replied to this comment with cynicism, saying it is a particular party’s supporters who should be hit by lorries instead.
Suruh lah arwah bapak ko @madnurrrr apply keje bawak lori langgar walaun2 bongok mcm ko… 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
— Electromagnet (@Electromag25592) May 10, 2025
Suruh lah arwah bapak ko @madnurrrr apply keje bawak lori langgar walaun2 bongok mcm ko… 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
— Electromagnet (@Electromag25592) May 10, 2025
There are those who agree with this decision, citing that unregulated e-hailing drivers can also cause harm to passengers due to failure to apply regulations. — May 10, 2025
Suruh la ambik lesen yg betul… kena gantung sbb driver setaraf teksi sapu, kalau accident mati katak je penumpang
— Ir_ Riaz🏴 (@riaz_ir) May 10, 2025
Main photo credit: Berita Harian
