Its founder, Nabil Feisal Bamadhaj, said he was informed by authorities in the transport ministry that there were no provisions under the law to grant them an operating licence.

“Of course, we don’t have a licence because we can’t apply for one.

“But we will continue to operate as usual.

“In fact, apart from sending passengers, we will also be delivering goods,” he told FMT.

Earlier today, the transport ministry ordered the Road Transport Department to take action against motorcycle taxis as the service is considered illegal.

Deputy Transport Minister Abd Aziz Kaprawi had stated that motorcycle taxis were not allowed to operate.

Nabil said if the ban persisted, 5,000 Dego employees will lose their jobs.

“So we are pleading with the government to allow us to operate.”

He said the service has had a positive impact on Klang Valley as it reduced traffic congestion.

Dego Ride was introduced on Nov 16 last year.