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TRANSPORT Minister Anthony Loke has cautioned against the immediate introduction of a requirement for e-hailing vehicles and taxis to install dashcams equipped with audio recording, stressing that the issue demands careful deliberation rather than a reactive response.
While acknowledging that such technology could contribute to improved safety, Loke said its implementation involved complex questions surrounding data ownership, storage and privacy, and should therefore be discussed thoroughly with stakeholders and the public.
“While it may serve a purpose in terms of ensuring safety, we need to discuss it further, think it through and consult various stakeholders.
“This is because once a dashcam is installed, the data, videos and images captured are kept by the drivers.
“How do we ensure that all of this data is properly deleted?
“So we have to consider this from various angles as we cannot have a knee-jerk reaction to resolve one issue, only to create another problem,” he said.
Loke was speaking after appearing on radio station 988’s Morning Up programme here yesterday.
Commenting on Hong Kong’s move to amend its laws to require taxis to install dashcams by early next year, Loke said regulatory approaches differ between countries and cannot be adopted wholesale.
“Data privacy remains a key priority,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, Malaysian E-Hailing Drivers Association president Jose Rizal said Malaysia should take a more preventive and systematic approach to safety and industry sustainability.
From the drivers’ perspective, he said safety technology deserved serious consideration, including the installation of dashcams and improved in-app safety features such as audio or interior recording systems that are activated only during trips.
“These measures are not intended to invade privacy but to provide two-way protection for both passengers and drivers while also supporting transparent and evidence-based investigations,” he said.
However, Jose cautioned that any move to make such measures mandatory must be introduced in a phased and comprehensive manner, taking into account installation costs, personal data protection, user privacy and the division of responsibilities between the government, platform operators and drivers.
“Any move towards making such measures mandatory must be implemented in a phased and holistic manner, taking into account installation costs, personal data protection, user privacy and the allocation of responsibilities between the government, platforms and drivers,” he said.
He added that policy decisions should not be rushed in response to isolated incidents, but guided by early prevention, shared accountability and effective enforcement.
“Such an approach will ensure passenger safety is upheld, drivers’ welfare is protected and Malaysia’s e-hailing industry continues to grow in a responsible and sustainable manner,” he said. - February 8, 2026