JOHOR BARU – The government is considering creating a regulatory body to oversee p-hailing services, which involves the delivery of food and parcels using motorcycles.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong said it is high time this body is seen as an important requirement, as part of efforts to protect the welfare of riders.
This has become a pressing matter as there is no specific body to oversee the sector, he added.
“We need a policy – just like e-hailing, which at one time was not regulated. As such, the ministry is looking into having discussions on how we can protect p-hailing (riders).
“We understand that these riders work hard to deliver the items, and I estimate about 100,000 of them are involved in this field.”
Wee was commenting on the grouses of p-hailing riders, who have been lamenting that their plight is not given enough attention, especially their welfare.
Since the movement control order was implemented, he said, many have signed up for p-hailing jobs as consumers now prefer food delivery than dining out.
“This is why the government wants to make it compulsory for riders to contribute to the Social Security Organisation.
“If they can contribute RM13.10 a month, they will get basic protection.”
However, he said riders themselves must be responsible for their own safety, and that of other road users, when doing deliveries.
This is because there have been many complaints of riders being reckless and speeding on the road, he added.
“I have asked the Road Transport Department to hold a campaign to raise awareness among these riders. As while earning their livelihood, they must also be responsible.” – Bernama, April 18, 2021
