The Malaysian Insight

ANTHONY Loke today defended himself against criticism over the cabinet’s decision to approve motorcycle ride-hailing services, saying it was not a policy U-turn on his part.

The transport minister said it was a cabinet decision and not based on his earlier decision.

“Some are saying I made a U-turn. I know what I had said on motorcycle ride-hailing services.

“Yes, I have said that it will not be allowed. But in the government, we make collective decisions. All ministries must comply with cabinet decisions and implement them,” he told a press conference today.

Last year, Loke had said in Parliament that Putrajaya did not intend to legalise motorcycle ride-hailing services any time soon. 

He said this was to protect the safety of riders and passengers, in view of the high number of motorcycle accidents recorded nationwide over the years.

“Of course, the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD), which is the responsible party for such things, would study the implementation of motorcycle ride-hailing, but for me personally, I am not ready to agree with this.

“The accident rate involving motorcycles in the country remains high,” he had told Parliament.

At a meeting on Wednesday, the cabinet approved in principle a plan to introduce Indonesia’s motorcycle-based ride-hailing service Go-Jek to Malaysia. 

Loke also today called on the public not to look at the service negatively, saying the move could help motorcyclists change their attitude and be more cautious on the road.

“We have to treat this opportunity as a challenge. This is an opportunity to get motorcyclist to be responsible while riding with passengers,” he said.

He said if Putrajaya would provide whatever safety features it could and that his ministry would look into all aspects of safety concerned. – August 23, 2019.