The Malaysia E-Hailing Drivers Association (MeHDA) has expressed disappointment that e-hailing drivers were left out from the Economic Stimulus Package 2020.

In the announcement of the stimulus package yesterday, interim Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir said that the government will be giving a one-off payment of RM600 to taxi drivers, tourist bus drivers, tourist guides, and registered trishaw drivers.

“The tendency of passengers to not go out unnecessarily due to the Covid-19 outbreak also affects the income of e-hailing drivers following lesser passengers, whether tourists or locals, the same as for taxi drivers,” said the chairman of MeHDA, Daryl Chong.

Chong also contended that if e-hailing drivers were to be subjected to the same operating rules as taxi drivers, then they should also be eligible for financial aids that are provided for taxi drivers. E-hailing drivers were required to register for the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence since the start of 2019, along with Puspakom inspections as well.

“We urge the government to reconsider the decision and to include e-hailing drivers in the stimulus package,” Chong further said.

The Economic Stimulus Package 2020 was introduced to help Malaysia’s economy cope with the impact of the global Covid-19 outbreak. It contains a variety of incentives, such as vouchers for domestic travel, reduction of EPF contribution, cash aid for government staff in Covid-19 frontline and BSH recipients, assistance for businesses, and boosts for e-commerce players.

(Source: The Star, Malay Mail)

• TAGS:
• Daryl Chong
• Economic Stimulus Package 2020
• Malaysia E-Hailing Drivers Association
• MeHDA
• Public Service Vehicle (PSV)
• PUSPAKOM
• Tun Dr Mahathir