‘If in-car cameras are made mandatory, similar security obligations should be imposed on operators to boost in-app protections
PETALING JAYA: Why does the spotlight so often land on what e-hailing drivers should have done after an incident, while the obligations of platform companies, which extract substantial profits from the industry receive far less scrutiny?
That question lies at the heart of a pointed intervention by Gabungan eHailing Malaysia (GEM) as the government considers proposals to install in-vehicle cameras in ehailing vehicles following a string of recent safety-related incidents.
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The proposal, now being weighed by the Transport Ministry following recent assault cases involving e-hailing drivers, is being positioned as a way to strengthen accountability and improve safety for passengers and drivers.
On the matter of the camera proposal, GEM chief activist Jose Rizal said the group supports the use of in-car recording systems as an added layer of protection, noting that such technology could improve accountability and assist investigations when disputes or incidents occur.
However, he cautioned against placing disproportionate responsibility on drivers while overlooking the broader role of platform operators. Rizal said if in-car cameras are made mandatory, equivalent safety obligations should also be imposed on platform operators to strengthen in-app protections.
He said these should include real-time emergency response features, enhanced passenger verification, risk detection tools, live location sharing and clearly defined response protocols.
“We cannot continue relying on drivers to serve as both the first and last line of defence in matters of safety,” he said, adding that platform companies possess far greater financial, technological and data resources than individual drivers.
He advised against shifting compliance costs solely to drivers, many of whom are already under financial strain due to rising insurance premiums, declining fares and increasing operating expenses.
“If safety is indeed regarded as a national priority, a fair cost-sharing framework must be established,” he said, adding that installation and maintenance costs for any mandatory camera system should be borne by platform operators or supported through subsidies.
Rizal said drivers face significant safety risks, including verbal and physical abuse, robbery, fraud, intoxicated passengers, account misuse and vandalism.
“Many incidents go unreported because drivers perceive reporting procedures as cumbersome or believe that little action will be taken.
“For this reason, Gabungan eHailing Malaysia believes safety must be viewed as a shared responsibility rather than an issue of individual driver conduct.”
He said safety issues in the e-hailing sector are long-standing, stressing that drivers have repeatedly raised concerns through formal engagements with ministries and relevant agencies, often without sustained follow-through.
“Unfortunately, many of these concerns only receive serious attention after incidents occur and public pressure mounts.”
He highlighted that any in-car camera system must be governed by strict privacy safeguards, including clear rules on data storage, access and usage, as well as oversight mechanisms to prevent misuse. However, he said cameras alone are insufficient to address deeper structural problems in the industry.
“So, meaningful improvements require stronger screening processes for drivers and passengers, enhanced identity verification, efficient complaint management systems, rapid emergency response procedures and consistent enforcement against all parties when necessary.”
Rizal urged policymakers and industry stakeholders to move away from what he described as a “culture of crisis management”, in which reforms are introduced only after high-profile incidents.
“In principle, the group supports any initiative that can enhance the safety of passengers and drivers.
“However, this discussion must be approached in a holistic, balanced and forward-looking manner that addresses root causes rather than merely responding to symptoms.”
He added that under the spirit of Malaysia’s Gig Workers Act 2025, digital platforms must be held more accountable for the safety and welfare of the workers who generate value for their businesses.
“Safety is not a cost. Safety is an investment. And that investment must be shared fairly among all parties that benefit from this industry,” he said.
He said GEM will continue pushing for a more balanced framework for gig workers.
“Our objective is not merely to assign blame when incidents occur, but to also ensure a safer, fairer and more sustainable system for the future of gig work in Malaysia.
