This followed an assurance given to him by Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook who told him that e-hailing drivers, just like taxi drivers, would be required to obtain a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence starting January 1.

“I’m holding him to his promise. I’m giving him until January 1,” he said after meeting Loke in Parliament earlier.

Shamsubahrin, however, stressed that his decision was only for his group of taxi drivers.

“It’s for me. I don’t speak for other people, associations. The explanation and assurance given by the minister is to me, so I am holding on to that,” he said.

Earlier, Loke and Shamsubahrin had a 45-minute discussion in regards to the taxi industry as well as e-hailing services.

Thanking Loke for meeting him, Shamsubahrin expressed confidence that the Seremban MP would keep his promise.

On Nov 8, Gabungan Teksi Se-Malaysia coalition, representing over a hundred taxi drivers’ associations, threatened to continue protesting at the transport ministry if Loke failed to personally meet cabbies to hear their complaints.

They planned to hold a demonstration on Dec 19 against the minister.