Ever since Grab drivers were required to acquire the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) license at the beginning of 2019 at the cost of RM115 annually, the primary e-hailing service in Malaysia has returned with a positive report albeit a long way from completing the transition.
Since January 2019, 27% of Grab’s drivers are now licensed. A further 15% are still in the process of completing their RM200, 6-hour PSV course. 17% are still waiting to sit their paper-based examinations while 15% are awaiting their licenses to be issued. To date, Grab has 150,000 drivers registered with them.
The examinations and regulatory processes, which require drivers to be clear of criminal records and undergo medical checks, have weeded out 26% of active drivers. Some drivers have highlighted a lack of time to undergo these processes, with day job obligations to fulfill.
Well tough luck; the safety of Grab riders/users are of utmost importance. No mechanically-unsound vehicle, nor unfit and incompetent driver should come in the way of that.
In the near future, Grab will focus on working with authorities to ease the “screening process” . Let’s hope this will not jeopardise a Grab riders welfare for want of more “approved drivers” and low ride fares.
