Thank you: Fahmi (second from left) presenting a token of appreciation to e-hailing and p-hailing riders in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The Rahmah p-hailing package will be improved to ensure it fully benefits gig workers by providing affordable Internet services, says Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He said his ministry would obtain analyses from relevant companies to assess and review the need for enhancements.
Fahmi said previous discussions had only involved telecommunications companies (telcos) and p-hailing service providers.
“Sometimes, information does not reach the riders. That is what I have observed. Moving forward, we may need to review the implementation of such initiatives because riders are not fully benefiting from them.
“Our intention is not to help companies but to assist the riders. So, I will request a post-mortem to determine how many people are involved,” he told reporters at the Temu Anak Muda Lembah Pantai programme, which was also attended by e-hailing and p-hailing workers.
Fahmi, who is also Lembah Pantai MP, said he would review suggestions from delivery riders regarding the need for designated rest stops which were raised during the programme’s question and answer session.
“During the (Covid-19) pandemic, we regarded riders as frontliners who helped deliver food and parcels.
“Now that things have returned to normal, we must examine their welfare issues.
“There is no denying that basic facilities like these are necessary, so I will look into what can be done in my constituency,” he said, Bernama reported.
On another matter, Fahmi said amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) were meant to address online crimes such as paedophilia, scams and gambling.
He said that from Feb 11, stricter penalties have been enforced for several offences, as approved by Parliament last December.
“Certain acts previously classified as offensive are now specifically defined as ‘grossly offensive,’ making them more precise and less broad than before.
“The amendments also provide explanations that can be used as arguments for both the defence and prosecution in court. This provides greater transparency and prevents misuse,” he added.
Fahmi urged the public to be cautious when consuming information, especially on social media, and to avoid spreading unverified news.
The amendments to Act 588 came into force last Tuesday after being gazetted on Feb 7, aiming to create a safer and more sustainable Internet ecosystem for users.
On Dec 9, 2024, the Dewan Rakyat passed the Communications and Multimedia (Amendment) Bill 2024 through a bloc vote, with 59 Members of Parliament in favour, 40 against, one abstaining and 122 absent.
