DRT Service Providers Asia Mobiliti Dismisses Alleged Favouritism

Asia Mobiliti, a transport start-up, today dismissed allegations of receiving preferential treatment or favouritism from the Selangor government.

Much of said allegations stems from company founder Ramanchandran Muniandy’s marriage to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, reports local daily The Malay Mail. The firm, one of two selected by the state government to deploy a demand-responsive transit (DRT) system, called the accusations unsubstantiated and malicious.

The selection, which included Badan Bas Coach Sdn Bhd as the other competing DRT service provider, was intended to prevent a monopoly, as only two businesses in Malaysia now provide this specialised service. The Selangor government announced the picks on June 15, 2023, and debuted the Selangor Mobility brand logo and zone announcement on October 20, 2023, during the Selangor Smart City and Digital Economy Convention.

Asia Mobiliti, a pioneer of DRT in Malaysia with its Trek Rides system, highlighted its successful 2021 pilot in Petaling Jaya, which led to the company being granted an operational licence. The company also emphasised that the job is only for nine months and will need a significant investment in vehicles, personnel, and technology.

Meanwhile, according to the News Straits Times, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) says that the contract awarded to Asia Mobility Technologies Sdn Bhd, which is affiliated with Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh's spouse, Ramachandran Muniandy, was not an issue.

According to MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, there is no conflict of interest because the contract for the Selangor Mobility programme was awarded by the Selangor government rather than Yeoh's ministry.