KUALA LUMPUR – The Transport Ministry’s proposal to have food/goods delivery drivers obtain mandatory Goods Driving Licence (GDL) has incensed the Malaysian P-Hailing Delivery Riders Association (Penghantar).
Its chairman Zulhelmi Mansor said in a statement that the move will further burden the gig workers even though the ministry has yet to provide more details.
He added that the mandatory licence should not be a priority for the food and goods delivery industry.
“On behalf of our members, we are against the decision, although we have yet to receive clarification on the new policy. This will further burden us.”
He added that the government should focus on defending the welfare of gig workers, especially allegations involving payment rates and discriminatory treatment.
He said the GDL licence will require workers to bring their vehicle for Puspakom inspections, which is an added cost, as well as lower resale value to its commercial status.
Zulhelmi said the mandatory Public Service Vehicle vocational licence is no less problematic and will seek a meeting with the ministry to express their objections.
“We will also bring our concerns to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob with the help of Umno Youth’s young workers’ welfare secretariat and the Malaysian Trade Union Congress.”
Yesterday, Transport Minister and MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong did not rule out the possibility that p-hailing riders and drivers would need to obtain a GDL for work.
The government will also amend the minimum age for p-hailing riders to 18 compared to the current 21. – The Vibes, August 9, 2022
