KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 14 — Ride-sharing service Uber has barred a driver accused of exposing himself to a woman from picking up any more passengers.

Despite ongoing investigations into the allegation against the driver in Kota Kinabalu, the firm said the person did not have a place in the service’s network

"Please be assured that we take such allegations seriously and our community guidelines expressly prohibit any kind of inappropriate behaviour on a trip.

"The driver no longer has access to the (Uber partner) app while investigations into the matter are pending,” said the statement published by The Star Online news portal.

In the sexual harassment claim against the Uber driver yesterday, a 25-year-old housewife alleged that the 35-year-old driver had put his hand in his pants, exposed his penis and fondled it during the ride.

The driver has made a counter report denying the allegations, saying he never talked to or touched the passenger.

Police are investigating the case under Section 509 of the Penal Code for intentional of insult of a woman’s modesty.

The case has gained traction on social media after the complainant shared her experience and the driver’s car registration details, but later took down her post on Facebook.