PUTRAJAYA, Dec 4 — Taxi operators are encouraged to cooperate with alternative taxi services like Uber to provide high quality services to passengers in major cities nationwide.

Otherwise, they have to find ways to provide better service to compete with Uber and other alternative taxi companies, said Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre Chairman, Tan Sri Dr Mohd Irwan Abdullah Serigar.

“The existence of an alternative taxi service is not a problem for existing taxi operators because users will choose them if they provide better service at reasonable fares,” he told reporters at #MyUberPitch programme here today.

Mohd Irwan said Uber’s business model allowed Malaysians to generate additional income, especially for low-income earners, and this was in line with the government’s effort to attain a high-income economy.

He said Uber service was safe because it was monitored by Uber’s management.

“Not just the driver but the passenger will also be assessed—negative rating driver or passenger will be banned from the service.

“This new service is popular in the US and now in our country. It is a new idea in businesses without borders which are reshaping the global economy,” he said.

#MyUberPitch programme is an initiative by Uber Malaysia and INTI International University Colleges.

This programme allows aspiring entrepreneurs an opportunity to pitch their business idea to some of Malaysia’s top business and influential leaders including Mohd Irwan.

At today’s events, Mohd Irwan, who is also Secretary-General Ministry of Finance, met two entrepreneurs in an Uber car.

An entrepreneur got in the car and started his pitch as the ride only last for about 15 minutes.

At the end of the pitch session, the entrepreneur was dropped off at the same location he was picked up from.

On the 15-minute ‘ride-and-pitch’, Mohd Irwan said: “I met two individuals who have very innovative ideas.

“We gave them 15 minutes to present their ideas. It’s a new way of doing things in such a short period of time. So, they have to be sharp and confident.  We will evaluate their proposals and decide who is going to win soon.” — Bernama