Malaysia gov’t, Grab address driver shortage with e-hailing license initiative

Image credit: Timmy Loen

The Malaysian Government has partnered with Grab’s local unit to provide vocational licenses for e-hailing drivers. The move is aimed to address the shortage of competent drivers in the public service vehicle (PSV) segment of the transport industry.

Of the 2,295 total candidates from Grab Malaysia, 300 received their vocational licenses, with 210 of them being people with disabilities.

The licenses were given at a handover ceremony jointly held by the Ministry of Transport, the Road Transport Department (JPJ), the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), and Grab Malaysia.

The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Transport’s announcement of two policies. One of them extended the maximum age of taxi and e-hailing vehicles from 10 years to 15 years, effective from January 1, 2023.

The second policy abolished the need for applicants of the PSV license to take a theory test.

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To obtain a PSV vocational license, e-hailing drivers can register at nearby driving institutes and e-Hailing Operator (EHO) centers located throughout the country. The JPJ has established specific regulations and conditions to guarantee the safety and integrity of driver candidates.