KUALA LUMPUR – An e-hailing operator (EHO) in charge of the Maxim app was raided by the Road Transport Department (RTD) for operating without a valid e-hailing vehicle permit.
The department said the company operating in Kuantan, Pahang was raided as part of its Op E-hailing intelligence gathering and monitoring efforts, which revealed that Maxim had violated transportation guidelines.
In a statement today, the department said that by allowing vehicles operated by the company to be used without valid permits, Maxim had gone against Section 12A(5) of the Land Public Transportation Act (LPTA) 2010.
If convicted for crimes under the section, wrongdoers face a fine of between RM1,000 and RM500,000, or a jail term of up to two years.
“Preliminary investigations by the Land Public Transport Agency found that out of the 5,000 active vehicles under Maxim, only 402 vehicles have valid permits.
“Company documents and equipment such as computers, billboards, banners, and buntings were seized and confiscated for investigation purposes under Section 222 of LPTA,” the statement said.
It added that RTD will continue to monitor EHOs to detect companies operating intermediary businesses without licences and service vehicles that do not comply with rules and regulations.
“Any company that wishes to be an intermediary operator and provide e-hailing systems to e-hailing drivers have to register and be licensed under LPTA and the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (LPKP).
“E-hailing passengers are also advised to ensure that apps are registered and licensed through a check on the agency’s and LPKP’s portals so that passengers are guaranteed insurance coverage if an accident happens,” it said. – The Vibes, March 10, 2023