Calling for a deterrent sentence for Hafiz yesterday, Deputy Public Prosecutor Thiagesh Sukumaran noted the consistent number of molest complaints against private-hire drivers in recent years - 17 each in 2017 and 2018 and 15 last year.
Pointing out the greater potential for abuse in unregulated services, he said they have no systems of accountability, such as location tracking systems or driver histories, and largely function on a system of trust . The present case clearly demonstrates that unregulated private-hire car platforms can be abused by drivers with nefarious intentions because of the sheer lack of accountability.
Mr Saktiandi said he hopes to see enhanced security features for all drivers in the system.