If you’ve been using InDrive or Maxim to get around, take note.
Both e-hailing apps will no longer be available in Malaysia after July 24, as authorities clamp down on platforms that don’t follow the rules.
The announcement came from Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who revealed that the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) had issued formal letters instructing the Russian-based platforms to stop operating in the country, reported Berita Harian.
Effective July 24, InDrive and Maxim must cease operations in the country. While they are allowed to file an appeal, the final decision will be made by me as the Transport Minister,” said Loke.
Complaints spark government action
The decision was not made in isolation. Earlier this week, the Malaysian P-Hailing Delivery Association (Penghantar Malaysia) publicly urged the government to take firm action against the two platforms.
They claimed that both apps had been operating in violation of existing transport laws.
Lack of compliance with licensing rules
Following these concerns, APAD launched an investigation and found that both InDrive and Maxim had failed to comply with several critical licensing requirements.
Most notably, the platforms did not ensure their drivers held valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) vocational licenses, which are required under Malaysian law for anyone providing commercial transport services.
But that wasn’t the only issue. The investigation also revealed that many vehicles operating under the two platforms lacked valid E-Hailing Vehicle Permits (EVP).
These permits are essential under the Individual Operator License (IBL) framework, and failing to obtain them constitutes a breach of the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715).
Legal grounds for the shutdown
Because of these violations, APAD has acted under Section 12D(1)(a) of the Act, which grants the agency power to cancel licenses of any operators that breach their conditions.
What’s next for InDrive and Maxim?
Although the companies still have the right to appeal, the final decision rests with the Transport Minister himself.
Until then, the order remains in place, and both platforms are expected to shut down their operations across Malaysia by the end of July.
