P-Hailing Group Questions APAD’s Leeway For InDrive, Maxim

The Malaysian P-Hailing Riders Association (Penghantar Malaysia) has raised concerns over the Land Public Transport Agency’s (APAD) decision to allow e-hailing platforms InDrive and Maxim to continue operating despite previous licensing issues.

In a statement on Thursday, the group questioned why the two companies were granted a three-month observation period instead of facing stricter enforcement, especially when there are claims that drivers continue to operate with expired E-Hailing Vehicle Permits (EVP).

“Some Maxim drivers have allegedly been operating for up to seven months with expired EVPs. If the permit has lapsed and rides are still being offered, that’s illegal ride-hailing. But the app still works,” the association said in a Facebook post.

They also pointed out that this wasn’t the first time either company had been caught violating local transport rules.

“InDrive is American, Maxim is Russian, yet both have previously broken the law and now seem to be getting off easy. Why is APAD giving them so much room to operate?” the group questioned.

APAD had announced on Wednesday that both companies would be monitored starting July 24, but allowed to remain operational. The agency warned that any further violations could lead to action under Section 12A(5) of the Land Public Transport Act 2010.

However, Penghantar Malaysia criticised the timing and transparency of the announcement, saying APAD had remained silent when the companies’ licenses were revoked earlier.
The group also took issue with what they described as “special treatment,” questioning why APAD appeared to be taking over tasks typically managed by e-hailing operators, such as EVP verification and driver compliance.

“Other companies enforce the rules themselves. But Maxim and InDrive get APAD officers to double-check their backend. Why the double standards?” the group said.