Govt should relax rules for e-hailing and taxi services, says IDEAS


KUALA LUMPUR: The government should relax the regulations for both e-hailing services and traditional taxi services as proposed rules would create significant new costs and barriers, says the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS).

In its policy paper titled “E-hailing regulations: Striking the right balance”, it considered the economic impact of e-hailing in Malaysia, for consumers, drivers and the traditional taxi industry.

The paper, released on Wednesday, assessed the impact of the government’s new regulations on the e-hailing market and how the government should develop the regulatory framework going forward in light of these considerations.

“Overall, the paper welcomes the government’s approach of regulating rather than banning e-hailing services. 

“However, the paper warns that the proposed regulations will create significant new costs and barriers both for e-hailing operators and drivers.

“The result will be a significant drop in drivers and less competition and innovation from new firms. 

“Ultimately this will mean worse outcomes for Malaysian consumers, including less choice and potential higher prices,” it said. 

IDEAS said the paper was presented at a roundtable discussion attended by stakeholders from industry and government, including APAD/SPAD chief operating officer Qamar Wan Noor.

 

Subscribe now and receive FREE sooka plan for 1 month.
T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Business News

Bond traders greet a momentous week with their wagers reeled in
India set to negotiate new trade strategy
Blackstone in bid for shopping malls firm
Stonepeak nears deal for aircraft lessor ATSG
Chinese solar firms go further afield where US tariffs don’t reach
Santander’s UK unit faces new hit after years of lagging behind
Wall Street eyes election, not so much the money
RBA set to hold key rate to counter sticky prices
UN summit ends in limbo, sparring over funding
Canada to unveil plan for emissions cap on oil and gas sector

Others Also Read