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THE government has ordered Russian e-hailing platforms InDrive and Maxim to cease operations nationwide by July 24, citing their failure to comply with national transport regulations.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) has issued formal letters to both companies instructing them to halt all services in the country.
"Effective 24 July, InDrive and Maxim must cease operations in Malaysia," he told reporters following the reopening ceremony of the Kempas Baru–Pasir Gudang cargo rail line on Friday.
"However, both companies have the right to appeal, and any decision on their appeal will be made by me as the Minister of Transport," Loke added.
The directive follows increasing pressure on the government to enforce stricter action against the platforms. On Monday, the Malaysian P-Hailing Riders Association (Penghantar Malaysia) urged authorities to block access to the two apps, accusing them of offering services without adhering to local regulations.
According to APAD, both InDrive and Maxim were found to be in violation of the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715), particularly for failing to ensure their drivers hold valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) vocational licences, which are mandatory under Malaysian law.
"This practice is not only unfair to compliant drivers who have obtained their PSV licences, but it also poses safety risks to passengers," Loke said. "Drivers operating without a PSV licence are also not covered by e-hailing insurance and may not have undergone mandatory vehicle inspections as stipulated."
The Ministry of Transport's decision marks one of the most high-profile regulatory actions in Malaysia’s e-hailing industry to date. - May 9, 2025
