KUALA LUMPUR – Russian e-hailing operators inDrive and Maxim have been ordered to cease operations in Malaysia effective July 24, after the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) found both companies in breach of the Land Public Transport Act 2010.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that termination letters had been issued to the two platforms for operating without fulfilling key licensing requirements, including ensuring all vehicles have valid e-Hailing Vehicle Permits (EVPs) under their Intermediation Business Licence (IBL).
This confirms Scoop’s report yesterday that Maxim’s IBL was revoked following an April 21 meeting of Apad’s Licensing Suspension and Termination Committee.
“Effective July 24, inDrive and Maxim must cease operations in this country.”
“The companies may appeal, but the final decision rests with me as transport minister,” he said after reopening the Kempas Baru–Pasir Gudang cargo track today, Bernama reported.
A similar notice was issued to inDrive on April 24. Both firms were found to have failed to ensure their drivers held valid EVP and PSV licences – a legal requirement under Malaysian transport law.
The Malaysian P-Hailing Riders Association (Penghantar) had earlier urged the government to block access to both apps, alleging the platforms exposed passengers to risks by using drivers without proper insurance, vehicle inspections or Public Service Vehicle licences.
According to Apad, the violations fall under Section 12D(1)(a) of the Act, which allows the agency to revoke an operator’s licence for non-compliance. Affected companies must return their IBL documents to any Apad regional office within 14 days from the date of revocation.
“This is not just unfair to drivers who comply with the law, but also endangers passenger safety,” said the association. They claimed violations had persisted since 2023, including during enforcement spot checks in Putrajaya and Kuantan.
Both Maxim and inDrive have yet to issue public responses. – May 9, 2025