Anthony Loke struggles to breathe in Dewan Rakyat

KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat session this morning was a bit anxious when Transport Minister Anthony Loke looked uncomfortable and stuttered when he started the answer session.

Berita Harian reported that according to the rules of the meeting he answered the first question posed by Wong Chen (PH-Subang), but suddenly coughed, gasped and asked to be given some time to calm himself down.

The situation caused Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin), to ask Loke to rest and to call for an examination at the hospital.

“Relax, Your Honor (YB), you have to be checked at the hospital. Danger, danger,” he said.

Loke was also seen patting his chest several times, while signaling to his deputy, Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, who was also in the House, to continue the session.

After taking over the session, Habibollah told Loke to sit down and calm down.

Habibollah answered Chen’s questions regarding the guidelines to allow disabled drivers (OKU) with A/A1 licenses to work as e-hailing drivers, and the government’s plan to change the guidelines to allow disabled drivers to obtain PSV licenses.

However, Loke then took over the task from his deputy and answered additional questions posed by Chen.

Earlier, Hasbi said, the current Public Service Vehicle Driver Licensing policy only allows holders of a Class D/DA Driving License (LMM) to apply for a Vocational Public Service Vehicle (PSV) E-Hailing License.

He said that Class A/A1 LMM holders are not allowed to apply for a Vocational License for any class.

“Under Section 30, the Road Transport Act 1987 requires an applicant to make a declaration in the prescribed form whether or not he suffers from any illness or physical disability that may cause his driving to be a cause of danger to others.

“However, the current policy does not prevent Persons with Disabilities (OKU) from the hearing and/or speech category who have an OKU Card from the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and hold a Class D/DA LMM to apply for a PSV E-Hailing Vocational License with health verification from registered medical practitioner,” he said.

Meanwhile, in response to Chen’s additional question regarding the case of a driver with a disability (OKU) being beaten by a Johor royal escort, Loke said the case is now under the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM).

However, he said, for disabled drivers, especially deaf drivers, there is already a policy that allows them to drive.

“Many deaf drivers are also given approval,” he said