Phoong (left) with e-hailing driver, Lai.
KOTA KINABALU: An e-hailing driver, Mr Lai, received a compound of RM5,000 from the police (PDRM) while sending a client through another district.
He then contacted DAP Luyang assemblyman Phoong Jin Zhe for help.
“According to Mr Lai, he was sending an essential worker from Penampang’s 7-11 outlet back to Kinarut as his client was returning home on 12th of June,” said Phoong.
He also shared how the compound was issued by PDRM.
“Mr Lai shared with us when he arrived at the roadblock, the police did not allow him to explain nor make a u-turn and leave. They immediately issued him the fine despite him willing to drop off his client at the roadblock.
“He tried to appeal to related authorities but they did not pardon him. Mr Lai said it was his last resort to seek for our help.”
Phoong shared with the media that Mr Lai had all related documents, including a company letter from the e-hailing company, an approval letter from SMILE (Sistem Maklumat Industri Logistik by MOT) and PSV license.
“The police told Mr Lai that according to the latest SOP, public transportation for example bus and trains are not allowed to travel inter-district.
“However, e-hailing was never mentioned in the SOP. E-hailing is part of the essential service and his client was somemore an essential worker with MITI approval letter, this is unreasonable,” he stated in a statement on Saturday.
Phoong raised to the Minister of Transport, Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong regarding this issue.
“Dr Wee stated earlier on that e-hailing drivers would just have to show their approval letter and PSV license and they could operate regularly. He even stated that if anyone received a fine while travelling inter-district can contact him directly,” stated the DAPSY Sabah chief.
Phoong, who is also the DAPSY national publicity secretary, expressed his concern over Mr Lai’s incident.
“Mr Lai is innocent as he was just operating as how he does daily. His client was even an essential worker.
“I hope Dr Wee would keep his promise and help this e-hailing driver out. The state government would also have to provide a clear explanation to this, whether e-hailing drivers are allowed to cross districts or not?” said Phoong.