Gojek's entry will open a new ecosystem in Malaysia, says Syed Saddiq
Allowing e-hailing motorcycle taxi service GoJek to operate in Malaysia will open up a new ecosystem that can benefit the local market and consumers, says Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
Speaking at a nation-building forum in Kuala Lumpur, Syed Saddiq responded to critics who were against the idea, either for safety reasons or other factors.
"There are people who say this is not the way for us to turn Malaysia into a developed nation.
Allowing e-hailing motorcycle taxi service GoJek to operate in Malaysia will open up a new ecosystem that can benefit the local market and consumers, says Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
Speaking at a nation-building forum in Kuala Lumpur, Syed Saddiq responded to critics who were against the idea, either for safety reasons or other factors.
"There are people who say this is not the way for us to turn Malaysia into a developed nation.
"But the GoJek ecosystem is larger (than just a mode of transport)," said the Muar MP, who pointed out that Malaysia trailed behind neighbouring countries in terms of the development of an entire ecosystem offered by e-hailing motorcycle services.
Unlike countries such as Indonesia, Syed Saddiq (photo) said the lack of an ecosystem has limited available options, even for existing motorcycle delivery services.
Citing food delivery services as an example, he noted how the options were limited to larger restaurants, unlike in countries where a consumer could select from their local neighbourhood stalls.
"Don't forget that there are around 500,000 unemployed youths, and the majority of them are underskilled," he stressed, adding that focus should be placed on addressing their needs.
When met by reporters later, Syed Saddiq offered reassurances that there would be no monopoly of the ecosystem, and he would similarly support potential operations of local motorcycle taxi service company Dego Ride.
"If anything, we must also assist our local industry in particular. As I mentioned, no one should hold a monopoly over this.
"The fact that Dego was pushed aside before this is the biggest reason why we are doing this...," he said.
"We want Dego, Gojek, Grabbike and the rest to compete in the interest of consumers.
"I want to ensure the local users will benefit the most," said Syed Saddiq, who earlier participated in a dialogue hosted by Akademi Harimau Asia in conjunction with the upcoming Merdeka celebrations.
Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who launched the dialogue this morning, earlier said the fine details surrounding the matter was still being looked into by Syed Saddiq and Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Among others, Malaysian-owned e-hailing service MyCar had urged the government to reconsider its decision to introduce GoJek here.
It was also pointed out that the government had previously rejected an application by a Malaysian company to introduce Dego Ride, a local version of Gojek.
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