112 food delivery riders in fatal road accidents, says transport minister

Transport Minister Anthony Loke today said that 112 p-hailing riders had died between 2018 and May last year. 

Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, he said this was from a total of 1,242 accidents involving the group. 

"One hundred and twelve riders died on the road, a very big number," he said. 

"A total of 82 serious injuries and 1,048 minor injuries were recorded. 

"Of course, we would like to regulate to guarantee the safety of these riders."

P-hailing refers to food delivery services. 

Loke today tabled three bills aimed at regulating the p-hailing industry: the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2023, the Land Public Transport Bill, and the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board Bill.

The issues debated included the welfare of p-hailing riders in relation to wages and protection, in addition to applications for vocational licences. 

Loke said the government would fight for the welfare of gig economy workers, adding however that regulations should not be too strict, to allow the sector to grow. 

"The relationship of riders with their company is not that of employers and employees," he said. 

"They are partners. Throughout the world, the gig economy is still being improved, with protection given to the riders."