Malaysia to discuss in-car cameras for e-hailing drivers after assault cases rise

SEPANG, June 15 — The Transport Ministry is weighing new safeguards to shield e-hailing drivers from passenger violence, even as it doubles down on a strict crackdown against transport firms that flout safety standards.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that the ministry will enter talks with e-hailing operators to bolster driver security. One proposal on the table is the installation of in-car cameras to act as a deterrent against assault.

“We will discuss the matter with e-hailing operators. Some operators have proposed installing cameras, similar to dashcams, to protect drivers,” Loke told reporters following the 62nd Annual General Meeting of the Malaysian Road Safety Council (MKJR) at the Sama-Sama Hotel today.

The proposal is not without its hurdles, however. Loke noted that any move to record the interior of a vehicle must be balanced against passenger privacy.

“We will explore what additional safety measures operators can implement to protect drivers. In terms of safety, both passengers and drivers are equally important.

“Passenger safety matters, and driver safety matters as well. We must strike the right balance,” he said.

The minister’s comments follow a string of recent reports involving e-hailing drivers being assaulted while on the job.

Shifting to broader road safety, Loke stood by the ministry’s aggressive oversight following a tragic weekend on the road.

A fatal crash on the Karak Highway yesterday claimed the life of a two-year-old girl after a trailer lorry, whose driver later tested positive for drugs, ploughed into several vehicles near Bentong.

Despite pushback from some industry players who claim the government’s approach is too heavy-handed, Loke insisted that firm action is non-negotiable.

“We have taken action against many companies — so much so that there have been complaints that we are being too strict. We have suspended the operations of some companies.

“Naturally, some businesses have complained that these actions disrupt their operations and supply chains,” he said.

Loke dismissed claims that authorities only take enforcement seriously in the wake of major tragedies, maintaining that the ministry’s stance has been consistently firm.

“Whenever accidents occur, there are allegations that enforcement is not taken seriously. However, we have been firm and uncompromising in our enforcement efforts. Many companies have had their operations suspended, not just individual drivers,” he said.

The ministry is now tightening the leash on transport operators. Loke promised a continued surge in audits and enforcement, particularly for firms with a history of accidents.

Since June last year, authorities have moved beyond reactive measures, conducting random audits on more than 500 transport companies regardless of their accident records.

“Previously, audits were generally conducted only after an accident occurred. We have now expanded the practice to include random audits,” he explained.

Loke then urged transport firms to move beyond the bare minimum and adopt internationally recognised ISO-based safety compliance standards.

“We are also encouraging more transport companies to adopt ISO-based safety compliance standards. They have a responsibility to ensure proper safety management and compliance,” he said.