Grab has warned its app users to expect longer waiting times after the enforcement of the e-hailing regulations takes effect on Oct 12.

"As of today, only less than half of our active driver-partners have successfully obtained their PSV (Public Service Vehicle) licences.

"Each day, our active driver-partners in full force serve one million ride bookings.

"On average, a passenger can get his or her ride within six minutes.

Unfortunately, this may change post-Oct 12," said Grab in a statement today.

"Since the regulatory process began, we have been aiming for at least 150,000 of our drivers to go through the PSV process.

"To date, 41 percent of these drivers-partners are now licensed. A further 24 percent are currently in waiting, either for examination results or for an examination slot."

Grab added that a further 22 percent have dropped out, citing various reasons including the time and costs required to navigate the regulatory process.

"With fewer driver-partners on the roads to serve an ever-increasing demand for ride-hailing, consumers will feel the pinch of longer waiting times, especially during peak hours and rainy days," it said.

Though announced last year, the application process for the PSV licence kick-started only in April this year.

"This is undoubtedly a significant task for the government agencies and our driver community, as they navigate through an unprecedented regulatory process," said Grab.

Grab advised passengers to pre-plan their travel during this period of transition.

"Book your ride earlier and be ready when the driver arrives, especially if you have a flight to catch or need to get to an important meeting. Please do not cancel a ride if you manage to get one even though the waiting time may seem unusually long. Getting a ride is much easier outside the peak hours of 7-9am and 5-8pm," it said.

Grab welcomed Transport Minister Anthony Loke's announcement that it will not be compulsory for drivers to print out a physical copy of the e-hailing
vehicle permit (eVP), and that drivers do not have to walk in to JPJ branches once again to change their vehicle code.

"On behalf of our Grab community, we are appreciative that the minister took the time to step in to reduce the burden on the driver community," it said.