As e-hailing services become an essential part of daily life for millions of Malaysians, ensuring the safety of both passengers and drivers has emerged as a key concern. In response, inDrive organised a Safety Panel and Workshop, bringing together the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) to address safety challenges specific to the e-hailing industry and provide practical solutions.
The event was prompted by growing safety concerns, particularly those affecting women and vulnerable communities, in Malaysia’s expanding e-hailing sector. Focusing on raising public awareness and strengthening safety measures, the workshop brought together a range of stakeholders, including drivers, passengers, and community representatives.
During the discussion, Inspector Mohd Harith b. Hamdan, a Crime Officer from Gombak PDRM, shared insights into the evolving safety challenges accompanying the rise in e-hailing services. “While e-hailing has made commuting easier, it has also introduced new risks such as harassment, theft, and road safety issues,” he explained. “Our ongoing collaboration with e-hailing platforms has helped improve safety, enabling real-time incident reporting and faster law enforcement response times.”
InDrive highlighted several safety features within its platform, including real-time trip sharing, an SOS button for immediate emergency contact, and a robust driver verification process. “Safety is central to our mission,” said Azlan Anwar, Driver Acquisition Specialist at inDrive Malaysia. “We continuously update our safety protocols based on user feedback and incorporate new technologies. Our partnerships with local authorities are crucial in ensuring a quick response to emergencies, creating a safer environment for all users.”
Nazreen Nizam, Acting Executive Director of WAO, addressed the specific safety concerns of women using e-hailing services, especially at night or in unfamiliar locations. “Safety is a significant concern for many women,” Nazreen remarked. “This workshop provides a platform to raise awareness and foster safer environments. Ongoing collaboration with e-hailing platforms is essential to ensure that safety features are accessible and user-friendly for those who need them most.”
The workshop also included live demonstrations of self-defence techniques and emergency response strategies, offering participants practical skills to enhance their personal safety. These sessions empowered both drivers and passengers with the knowledge and confidence to handle potential safety threats while using e-hailing services.
The inDrive Safety Panel and Workshop highlighted the importance of collaboration between e-hailing platforms, law enforcement, and advocacy groups in embedding safety into the ride-hailing experience. As the industry continues to grow, such initiatives are crucial in building public trust and ensuring e-hailing remains a safe and reliable option for everyone. 
