KUCHING: In a move to improve Sarawak’s public transportation landscape, LPKP Sarawak held a productive meeting with executives from Grab Malaysia today, focusing on the challenges faced by the e-hailing industry especially in obtaining e-hailing vehicle permits (EVP).
LPKP Sarawak Chairman Michael Kong said Grab Malaysia shared its concerns about the obstacles drivers face in acquiring approvals and meeting regulatory requirements. The company also welcomed feedback and suggestions from LPKP Sarawak to help simplify and improve the overall process.
“We are pleased with Grab’s proactive attitude and its commitment to building closer collaboration with LPKP Sarawak. Their constructive engagement marks an important step toward strengthening the overall transportation ecosystem in the state,” Kong said.
He acknowledged the difficulties encountered by e-hailing drivers and operators and assured that LPKP Sarawak would review current procedures to identify improvements, streamline the system, and ensure that both drivers and passengers benefit from a safe and well-regulated platform.
As part of the initiative, LPKP Sarawak also facilitated a dialogue between Grab Malaysia and taxi operators from Kuching. During the session, Grab introduced a proposal to replace traditional taxi meters with their e-hailing application, aiming to modernise taxi services while ensuring fare transparency and consistency.
Kong noted the encouraging response from local taxi operators, who expressed openness to embracing this technological shift.
“We will continue our engagement with taxi operators across Sarawak, and our goal remains clear, that is to enforce the mandatory use of taxi meters for fare calculation, whether through traditional meters or mobile applications with similar functions,” he added.
He stressed that these efforts are part of LPKP Sarawak’s ongoing commitment to advancing public transport services through innovation, inclusivity, and practical regulatory frameworks that benefit both the industry and the public.
By Connie Chieng