The Cabinnet has given Indonesia’s popular motorcycle e-hailing, Gojek the green light to operate here in Malaysia. The Youth and Sports Minister, Syed Saddiq has been tabled the idea during the cabinet meeting. Syed Saddiq together with the Transport Ministry have been tasked to discuss in detail on developing Gojek’s services in the country covering several aspects as in rules and laws and where it should be allowed to operate.
Gojek will begin its operations within two months
According to Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Yusof, the popular Indonesian Motorcycle ride-hailing, Gojek, will begin its operations in Malaysia within two months following Cabinet approval. However, specific legislation on governing the ride-hailing service yet to be discussed or finalised. Source
The ride-hailing service allows more opportunities to facilitate youths’ participation
Syed Saddiq expressed intention to bring Gojek to Malaysia as he said that the ride-hailing service would create hundreds of thousands of job opportunities for motorcyclists in the country. It will allow more opportunities to facilitate youths’ participation in the country’s economy.
But, the government banned local motorcycle ride-hailing service before
In 2017, the government banned local motorcycle ride-hailing service, Dego Ride, before. The decision was made over safety concerns for motorcyclists and pillion riders. The risk of motorcyclists being involved in fatal accidents was 42.5 times higher than that for buses and 16 times higher than that of cars. Source
Before they were banned, the Johor-based company successfully hired 1,500 motorcycle riders where 85% of them were youths. It was also attracted 60,000 users within three months of launching its operations with salary ranging from RM1,500-RM3,500.
Despite many criticisms, Syed Saddiq ensures that Gojek would not monopolise the industry
In response to criticisms, Syed Saddiq said the Indonesian motorcycle ride-hailing service would not monopolise the industry as the government would open up the market to allow competition. The young minister together with Prime Minister, Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Gojek founder, Nadiem Makarim had arranged a meeting recently to discuss further on bringing the service to Malaysia.
Gojek began its operation in 2010 in Indonesia and has launched in Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand. As part of its South-East Asia expansion plan, they are eyeing on Malaysia, Myanmar and Cambodia too.
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