No Ban On SUVs For E-Hailing Registration - Loke

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has clarified that there is no restriction or policy change preventing Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) from being registered for e-hailing services.

Responding to recent reports that suggested otherwise, Loke said the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) had never issued any directive or statement banning SUVs for e-hailing purposes.

“There is no ban on the registration of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) as e-hailing vehicles

“All vehicles that meet the technical requirements and have seating capacities of between four and 11 passengers are eligible to be considered for e-hailing operator (EHO) licensing," he said.

Loke added that the registration process for e-hailing vehicles remains unchanged and will continue according to existing regulations and guidelines.

“The ministry understands the concerns raised among e-hailing drivers and operators, and wishes to assure them that the registration process will continue as usual in accordance with the existing rules and guidelines,” he assured.

Loke’s statement comes after reports surfaced claiming that SUV drivers were being barred from registering their vehicles for e-hailing use or from obtaining public service vehicle (PSV) licences. 

Some existing e-hailing drivers who had switched to SUVs also reported encountering similar difficulties.

The confusion prompted driver groups to seek clarification from APAD and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) on whether SUVs were still eligible for e-hailing registration.

“No changes have been made to the ministry’s policy regarding vehicle types allowed for e-hailing, emphasising that SUVs continue to qualify as long as they meet technical and safety requirements,” he noted.

Loke urged drivers and the public not to be misled by inaccurate claims, assuring that SUVs remain fully eligible for use in Malaysia’s e-hailing sector under the current framework.