PSV Licence Revoked as Anthony Loke Takes Firm Stand on Passenger Safety
PUTRAJAYA — Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport has ordered the immediate cancellation of a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence belonging to an e-hailing driver accused of sexually harassing a female passenger in Johor Bahru.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the directive was issued to the Road Transport Department to ensure the driver is permanently barred from operating on any ride-hailing platform.
He stressed that the government will not tolerate any behaviour that jeopardises passenger safety.
“The safety and dignity of passengers must always come first. Any misconduct will be dealt with firmly,” he said in a social media statement.
Loke also announced that the Agensi Pengangkutan Awam Darat will summon all e-hailing operators, including Grab, to present comprehensive plans to strengthen safety mechanisms.
These measures are expected to include tighter driver screening, enhanced behavioural monitoring, improved ethics training, and more responsive complaint-handling systems.
The incident gained widespread attention after a video circulated online showing a driver allegedly reaching back to touch a passenger while driving.
The footage triggered public outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of ride-hailing services, especially for women and vulnerable users.
Following the viral incident, Grab Malaysia issued a public apology and acknowledged the seriousness of the matter.
In its statement, the company said it had begun contacting the affected passenger to conduct a thorough investigation and offer assistance.
“This incident should never have happened. We are committed to enforcing strict safety standards across our platform,” Grab said.
Meanwhile, Johor Bahru Selatan police confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the case and possible legal action.
Industry analysts believe the swift response from authorities reflects the government’s determination to uphold trust in digital transport services.
They also noted that the case could lead to stricter regulations and higher accountability standards for e-hailing operators.
Overall, the government reiterated that passenger safety remains a top priority and that any form of misconduct will be addressed decisively to maintain public confidence in the sector.
-wilayah.com.my
