He said even his predecessor Loke Siew Fook did not regulate fares when the government introduced the e-hailing policy in 2019.

The MCA president was responding to a question on the spike in e-hailing fares
following the disruption of services to the Kelana Jaya LRT line.

The policy, Wee said, only allowed for the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) to act against e-hailing companies violating the terms and conditions of their licence.

“They have to strictly follow the terms and conditions stipulated in the licence. Otherwise, we can revoke it. That part, yes, we can regulate,” he told reporters at a press conference here.

These conditions include e-hailing drivers having to obtain a public service vehicle (PSV) license to drive any type of commercial vehicle used for carrying passengers, such as taxis and buses.

To address the spike in fares which is caused by a surge in demand and the insufficient supply, Wee said the government was fast-tracking approvals for those wanting to become e-hailing drivers in a bid to boost the number of drivers on the road.

“We (the ministry) have always been communicating with the e-hailing companies.

“Just two days ago, my officer was speaking to them about getting more drivers to come onboard, and that we are willing to give them instant approval (for their licences),” he said.