DEPUTY Transport Minister Datuk Henry Sum Agong has been criticised for telling e-hailing service users up in arms over price hikes to take other forms of public transport like taxis.
On Monday (Aug 15), Henry told the Dewan Negara that e-hailing fares have spiked due to a surge in demand for e-hailing services as the economy reopens, and because many e-hailing drivers returned to full-time jobs, leading to a lack of drivers.
However, he said e-hailing users can always agree or disagree with the fares quoted or book other services, as e-hailing services are provided on a willing buyer-willing seller basis.
Henry also reportedly side-stepped a question on tackling the “soft monopoly” in the e-hailing industry, ultimately stating that the Transport Ministry (MOT) will “look into the matter”.
Transportation consultant Dr Rosli Khan said Henry’s answer was “too simplistic”, adding that his one-off statement in response to a senator’s question lacked supporting data or statistics.
“If this is the kind of policy statement coming from the executive branch of the Government, then I must say that the level of competency leaves much to be desired,” Rosli told FocusM.
He also noted that Henry had previously told the Dewan Rakyat that the Government has no plans to introduce motorcycle e-hailing services in Malaysia.
Rosli said both statements “reflect very badly” on the MOT’s decision-making process, especially over its policy to increase public transport ridership.
“In one instance, he is talking about reducing road congestion but in another instance, he is stopping initiatives towards increasing public transport initiatives.
“Isn’t that rather conflicting? Or is it purely a reflection of the ministry’s incompetency?” Rosli asked.
“Say how you’ll increase public transport usage”
Rosli, a transport expert with more than 30 years of experience, said as a deputy minister representing the Government of the day, Henry should be talking about exploring new ideas and initiatives to increase the level of public transport usage in the country.
This is especially so in congested urban centres like the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor, and cities like Kota Kinabalu and Kuching, which are “crying” for new public transport capacity and facilities.
“The Government has to put a stop to the ‘car centric’ policy, urban highway-building programme and toll collection policy,” Rosli added.
He lamented that while the commuting public continues to “suffer” by being stuck in traffic jams, delayed, forced to fork out high costs, having their time wasted and dealing with other inconveniences while on the road, those responsible are “not doing a good job”.
“Those managing transport functions, policies and facilities in the various ministries are exposing their lack of understanding, poor knowledge of the subject matter and do not possess the knowledge to tackle the arising issues and problems in mobility,” he added.
“This makes the Government look defective.”
“Least you can do is ride on its popularity”
Rosli noted that while e-hailing services were never part of the Government’s transport agenda, such private sector initiatives have proven to be successful and popular.
The least these Government officials should do, he said, is to “ride on its popularity” and show their support.
“But to put a damper on what is potentially a promising motorcycle e-hailing service, in addition to car e-hailing, are wrong moves altogether.”
Rosli said the potential fare for motorcycle e-hailing services would be “a lot less” or lower than car e-hailing – a promising unique selling point for its success, as proven in other countries where motorcycle ownership is high, such as neighbouring Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.
“The MOT should look into its implementation with proper safety guidelines and insurance coverage – not simply dismiss it as ‘unsafe’. This is way too simplistic and unimaginative,” he said.
E-hailing fares reportedly surged up to 400%, especially in the Klang Valley, following the lifting of movement restrictions to control the spread of COVID-19.
Following public outcry, the MOT in May promised to monitor the situation and review proposals for a fare regulatory mechanism.
While there are numerous e-hailing service providers in Malaysia, the market is largely seen as dominated by Grab. – Aug 18, 2022
Main photo credit: SoyaCincau
