KUALA LUMPUR – Indrive, a ride-hailing platform known for offering drivers greater flexibility, has taken swift action in response to the recent three-month probation imposed by the Transport Ministry (MOT) over alleged e-hailing vehicle permit (EVP) non-compliance.
In a detailed conversation with Scoop Insight, Govin Kumar, Indrive’s country representative, explained how the company has engaged with regulators to correct the issues and what steps they’ve taken to ensure that such problems do not recur.
The probation stemmed from concerns over EVP compliance, which arose from system glitches during a transition period. According to Govin, the company was in the process of migrating its driver data from one system to another, which inadvertently led to gaps in the administration of EVPs.
These gaps caused some drivers to use EVPs issued by other e-hailing companies, a situation that contravenes the rules set by Malaysian regulators. However, Govin was quick to clarify that the company’s drivers did indeed have the necessary permits, but the transition in systems led to oversights that were flagged by the MOT.
“We fully acknowledge that there were issues with how we managed our EVPs during the system migration, but we want to make it clear that our drivers were operating legally,” Govin explained.
“This was an administrative issue, and we immediately took corrective action.”
He said this during the recent Scoop Insight podcast with Scoop editor in chief Terence Fernandez and news editor A. Azim Idris.
Upon receiving the notice of revocation in April 2025, Indrive moved quickly to engage with the authorities, specifically APAD, to address the concerns. The company has since been transparent with its actions, providing regulators with access to driver data and fully cooperating with the authorities to ensure compliance. In July 2025, after reviewing the steps taken by Indrive, APAD reinstated the company’s license with a probationary period set to expire in October 2025.
The corrective measures implemented by Indrive included upgrading their monitoring systems to provide better visibility into the documentation of their drivers. This upgrade will ensure that all required permits and insurance documents are correctly stored and accessible, preventing any future administrative errors.
In addition to the EVP compliance issues, Indrive faced a separate challenge with the Singaporean authorities. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) raised concerns over cross-border operations, noting that there had been instances of drivers ferrying passengers across the border from Malaysia to Singapore. This prompted Indrive to launch an internal investigation to understand the nature of the issue.
Govin explained that while there were activities involving cross-border rides, none of them were completed transactions.
“There were orders placed from Johor Bahru to Singapore, but no rides were actually completed,” he clarified.
“It appears that some drivers were trying to offer more convenience by attempting cross-border trips, especially during peak periods like Independence Day. Once we became aware of this, we immediately acted.”
Indrive promptly blocked the geolocation feature for drivers operating in Singapore to prevent further occurrences. This action was taken as a precaution to ensure that no further cross-border trips could be initiated through the app, safeguarding the company’s compliance with local regulations.
Govin also mentioned that they had communicated with both Singaporean and Malaysian regulators to ensure transparency and clarity in their response to the issue.
“While we are grateful for the authorities’ understanding, we have made it clear to them that we are fully committed to following the rules and ensuring no further issues arise,” Govin said.
“As of now, Singaporean drivers are unable to access our platform, and we have placed geo-restrictions in place to ensure there are no accidental transgressions.”
Despite the challenges, Govin was optimistic about Indrive’s future in Singapore, stating that the company is willing to adjust its operations to comply with local laws.
He pointed out that the flexibility of the Indrive model means that the company can tailor its services to meet the regulatory requirements of any market it operates in.
“Just like we’ve adapted to different markets in the past, we are committed to working with local authorities to ensure that our platform operates within the boundaries of the law,” he explained.
“If we ever expand into Singapore, we will comply with their specific requirements, such as adopting a fixed-fare system, as is required there. We respect their regulations and are prepared to make the necessary adjustments.”
The company’s commitment to adapting its business model in accordance with local regulations has been a key point of focus. In the Philippines, for instance, Indrive has already implemented a fixed fare matrix, as the country does not allow a bidding system for fares.
This is a direct response to local regulations, and Govin emphasised that Indrive would deploy a similar approach in Singapore should they decide to enter the market.
Addressing monitoring and compliance challenges
While discussing the company’s commitment to compliance, Govin also acknowledged the challenges that come with providing autonomy to drivers. Indrive’s model is built on offering drivers the freedom to choose their routes and fares, but this flexibility has led to questions about the company’s ability to properly monitor its drivers.
Govin clarified that while the company believes in empowering drivers to have more control over their work, this does not mean that they lack monitoring mechanisms. In fact, Indrive has taken several steps to improve its systems, including strengthening the monitoring of documents such as the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) and EVP.
“We give our drivers the freedom to operate as independent contractors, but that does not mean we don’t monitor their compliance with the necessary documentation,” he said.
“Our new systems give us much better visibility into all the documents our drivers are required to have, ensuring that they are fully compliant with the laws and regulations.”
Indrive has also worked on improving its communication with both drivers and regulators. Govin stressed that it was crucial for the company to maintain a transparent and collaborative relationship with local authorities to ensure ongoing compliance.
Additionally, he pointed out that this partnership with regulators would allow Indrive to identify any potential issues before they escalate.
Looking ahead: Compliance, growth, and adaptability
As Indrive continues to navigate these regulatory challenges, the company’s focus remains on improving its systems, ensuring compliance, and growing in a responsible manner. The company is also exploring future markets, including Singapore, where it plans to operate in full alignment with the country’s regulations.
“The key takeaway here is that we are committed to compliance,” Govin concluded.
“But we also want to maintain the flexibility that makes our platform attractive to drivers. By working closely with regulators and adapting to local requirements, we can ensure that our platform remains a viable and sustainable option for both drivers and passengers.” – September 14, 2025