‘We feel like drug dealers’ - micromobility vehicle suppliers lament ban
Micromobility vehicle suppliers have protested the government's decision to ban its use, calling the move backwards which has resulted in industry players suffering millions in losses.
Jerung Wheels owner Mohammad Mubashar Aftab said his business is at risk as customers have cancelled their orders for the micromobility vehicles.
“Now, people are starting to get scared and don’t dare to buy it. In fact, they see it as an illegal thing.
“As sellers, we have become like drug dealers in public spots. The government's action to announce a drastic ban has given the people a negative view (of the micromobility vehicles).
"An in-depth study should be done first before banning it because many owners of these vehicles have been taught to emphasise safety and legal aspects on the road," he told Malaysiakini.
On April 26, the government banned the use of three types of micromobility vehicles on the road - mopeds, personal mobility devices (PMD) and personal mobility aids (PMA) - with immediate effect.
Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong said mopeds are vehicles fitted with two or three wheels and driven by an electric source with speeds not exceeding 50kph.
PMD and PMA are vehicles driven by human power or electricity with speeds not exceeding 25kph such as electric-powered scooters and vehicles for the use of individuals with mobility issues.
Wee said the ban on the three categories of micromobility vehicles was implemented in accordance with the Road Traffic (Prohibition of Use of Certain Microbility Vehicles) Rules 2021 - which came into effect on Dec 17 last year.
Provide guidelines instead
Star Wheels chief executive officer Eric Lee said the industry might go bankrupt if the government continues the ban.
Thousands of jobs are also at stake if the industry shuts down, he adds.
“The industry has actually opened up a lot of job opportunities, from suppliers to the existence of service providers to repair these vehicles.
"We face the risk of going bankrupt if this continues without any proactive action from the government to discuss with industry players.
"The government should provide guidelines instead of banning them outright," he said.
Food delivery riders affected
For Mohd Asri Ghazwan, who is Mubashar's partner at Jerung Wheels, food delivery services would also be affected by the government's decision.
“Many young people who work as food delivery riders in urban areas use this vehicle because it is cost-effective and flexible compared to other vehicles.
"So, the government needs to take into account the interests of the people and the authorities should discuss with us before making any decision," he added.
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