The motorcycle ride-hailing service Dego Ride was introduced in 2017 as an alternative to ride-hailing services Uber and Grab. But the service was banned by the Ministry of Transport on user safety grounds. Yesterday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said his ministry is now open to receiving feedback on the introduction of motorcycle ride-hailing services in Malaysia.
Interested companies can present a proof of concept (POC) and conduct trials of their services at a checkpoint to be determined later. If the proof of concept test is successful, motorcycle ride-hailing is seen as having the potential to become the first and last mile transportation that connects people to public transport.
Motorcycle ride-hailing services are quite popular in Indonesia and Vietnam. This is because with congested roads, only motorcycles can travel quickly. In Malaysia, safety issues are the main reason this service is seen as suitable as motorcycles contribute to 75% of accidents in the country with an average of 12 rider deaths every day.