SPAD says Uber must comply with Malaysian law – Bernama

Uber, the company offering transport service through smartphone application to customers in Malaysia, must comply with the law in providing the services said the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD).

SPAD said there have been several issues carried by Uber, such as using private vehicles to carry fare-paying passengers, which is an offence under the Land Public Transport Act 2010.

Some of the company's drivers did not have a Public Service Vehicle driving license, which is an offence under the Road Transport Act 1987.

"In an effort to reach out and ensure that Uber complies with Malaysian laws, SPAD has attempted to contact Uber by telephone and by email but to date, Uber has not responded nor replied to any of SPAD's outreach attempts," the commission said in a statement today.

The commission said vehicles currently used by Uber were not covered by commercial insurance and might not go through Puspakom's semi-annual inspection.

SPAD added that while services provided by Uber presented a challenging issue to many public transport regulators around the world, SPAD was taking a more pragmatic approach and was ready to allow Uber's service as long as the services are provided by appropriately licensed vehicles and drivers.

According to Uber's website, it was founded in 2009 and was currently offering services in over 70 cities around the world.

On Sunday, several taxi associations and operators had called on SPAD to take action against Uber which they claimed had among others affected the income of taxi drivers in the Klang Valley.

SPAD urged Uber to use only appropriately licensed vehicles and drivers.

"As the regulator in charge of Malaysia's land public transport, SPAD takes compliance to the law, local rules and regulations very seriously.

"And while the public may be satisfied with Uber's services now, without rules and regulations, there is no guarantee that the public is protected in the long run," it said.

The commission said it would not hesitate to take action on service providers who did not comply with the law, and take possible action to punish drivers and car owners according to the Land Public Transport Act 2010.

It said the safety of the people remained a priority and would not be compromised. – Bernama, August 27, 2014