Malaysia's First Motorcycle E-Hailing Service Is Now Legal Again
Dego Ride is the first company to introduce motorcycle taxis in Malaysia.
By Liew Ashley — 02 Jan 2020, 05:04 PM
Local motorcycle e-hailing service, Dego Ride, began its operations yesterday, 1 January
According to New Straits Times, the local startup was the first company to introduce motorcycle taxis in Malaysia.
Founded by Nabil Feisal Bamadhaj, who is also the chief executive officer, in 2015, Dego Ride launched its services in November 2016 with around 5,000 riders registered with the company at the time.
However, shortly after it began its operations, the bike-hailing service was banned by previous government Barisan Nasional due to safety concerns.
While Pakatan Harapan also initially disagreed with the concept, they decided last year to proceed with a six-month trial for motorcycle hailing operations starting January 2020
As such, Dego Ride resumed its services on New Year's Day with over 700 approved riders.
The company intends to provide a solution to the current first and last-mile disconnect from the nearest public transportation systems for those living in the Klang Valley, Shah Alam, and Putrajaya.
According to The Star, Dego Ride is looking to widen its coverage by expanding their service to other regions and states in March.
Additionally, male and female riders will cater to passengers of their own gender
In a report by The Star, Nabil revealed that women make up a high number of passengers who want to use the bike-hailing service.
As of now, there are 100 female riders who have registered, with less than 50 approved.
"We call on more women rider to join us, as there has been high demand from female passengers for their last mile connections," Nabil said during the launch ceremony of the Dego Ride app and its headquarters in Taman Melawati, as quoted by The Star.
In response to Dego Ride's return, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman praised its efforts in creating more job opportunities for youths
"It was a bad decision to ban Dego Ride. It did not only affect job opportunities but also the investment made by Nabil to realise a local startup," the minister was quoted as saying by Malay Mail.
Saddiq also added that the company would be a good platform for youths on the hunt for jobs or part-time employment.
"I was informed that they will create 5,000 employment opportunities for youths, who could earn between RM1,500 and RM3,500 monthly," he said at the launch ceremony yesterday, as quoted by The Star.
Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman at the opening ceremony of of Dego Ride's operation office.
Image via Firdaus Latif/Malay MailIn order to be eligible to become a Dego Rider rider, one has to fulfill several criteria
Only Malaysians aged 18 years and older with a full B2 motorcycle and free from any criminal records will be considered.
Additionally, applicants must own motorcycles above 150cc in order to apply to become riders, and any applications from those with modified bikes will not be accepted.
Meanwhile, passengers can now book Dego Ride's services using their app, which is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
The service is only available for travel of not more than 10km radius from the passengers' current location.
Prices for rides start at RM3 for the first 3km ride and RM1 for every subsequent kilometre.
