SHAH ALAM – Experts argue that road maturity is not solely defined by age, stressing that comprehensive driver education and respectful conduct are more effective than age-based assumptions.
Malaysian Public Transport Users Association (4PAM) President Ajit Johl highlighted that the government has been actively working to attract younger drivers, especially those with motorcycle licences.
"At 16, individuals can now legally own a vehicle, a shift from the previous minimum age of 18, and even 21 at one point.
"Similarly, the legal working age has been lowered from 21 to 18. These changes show that younger people are maturing faster, partly due to easier access to information,” he told Sinar Daily during a recent Fireside Chat.
Ajit stated that the internet had levelled the playing field, allowing anyone, from Kuala Lumpur to Kelantan, to access the same information. As a result, the maturity needed to be a responsible driver should not be judged solely by age.
He described that all e-hailing drivers contribute to the Human Resource Ministry's training fund, which supports proper driver education.
This substantial fund offers opportunities for collaboration between operators, the public transport industry, and organisations like 4PAM.
"We’ll teach good driving ethics and develop training modules to ensure drivers become excellent at their jobs,” Ajit added.
He compared this to the standardised training and uniforms in fast-food franchises, emphasising that e-hailing drivers must meet certain obligations to uphold the platform’s values.
Ajit noted that a well-conducted business depends not just on having a licence but on maintaining high standards.
Since the introduction of e-hailing in Malaysia around 2014, Ajit said the industry had made significant strides, investing in safety features like driver identification and an SOS button.
While safety has improved, challenges remain.
He also pointed out ongoing issues in the express bus industry, such as driver fatigue and accidents, which have persisted for over a decade.
The e-hailing industry, he argued, has made commendable progress, and other sectors should follow suit by prioritising safety and standards.
Ajit suggested tools like dividers between drivers and passengers, as seen in London cabs, and the enforcement of safety belt use for rear passengers.
"There are so many tools that can be implemented to ensure passenger safety now. For example, a divider between the driver and passenger, as seen in London cabs, could be effective, though it’s more feasible for private cabs than e-hailing vehicles, which are used as both public and private transport,” he said.
He proposed adjusting pricing models to reflect a driver’s experience, which would incentivise safety and attract passengers willing to pay a premium for more seasoned drivers.
While the e-hailing industry has made notable improvements, Ajit acknowledged that public transport safety still requires attention. He stressed the importance of continuing to invest in driver training, safety features, and incentivising experience.
In a related matter, Universiti Sains Malaysia's (USM) Associate Professor Dr Nur Sabahiah Abdul Sukor highlighted that younger, less experienced drivers can sometimes pose safety risks due to immature behaviour. However, she stressed that maturity should not be judged by age alone and that all drivers must adhere to clear conduct guidelines.
To improve safety and professionalism in e-hailing services, Sabahiah recommended several key measures.
"The company needs to set up a clear code of conduct, including the dress code, public relations skills, and managing conflict and passengers. Most e-hailing platforms already have a rating system, an emergency reporting feature, and data monitoring,” she said.
Sabahiah noted that passengers feel safe with features like driver and vehicle identification and real-time journey tracking, while drivers benefit from privacy protections and emergency icons.
However, she said the effectiveness of these measures needs improvement, particularly by allowing passengers to report emergencies directly to authorities like the police or fire department.
She also emphasised the need for comprehensive training programmes, not just on driving skills but also on customer service, conflict resolution, and professionalism.
Sabahiah recommended that e-hailing companies enhance their safety features, including a quick-access button for emergencies, and establish dedicated support teams trained to handle safety incidents and disputes swiftly and sensitively.
By implementing these strategies, e-hailing companies could further improve safety, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.