[UPDATE] Bolt is now available for all people living in the Klang Valley. To celebrate the launch, the company is offering up to 50% discount (capped at RM15), but limited to use in the Klang Valley.
The Estonian-based e-hailing service, Bolt, is poised to make its debut in Malaysia, as indicated by a notification on the app’s main homepage.
Already operational in over 45 countries, including Thailand, Bolt’s forthcoming launch was preceded by obtaining a license from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), according to The Star.
A recent update, dated 9 October 2024, on APAD’s website includes Bolt Services MY Sdn Bhd in the list of licenced e-hailing operators within Malaysia.
Bolt has been preparing for its Malaysian entry since August by opening driver registrations. In March, the company’s job posting on LinkedIn for a country manager based in Kuala Lumpur hinted at the impending launch.
At present, it remains uncertain whether Bolt will introduce its food delivery service, Bolt Food, in Malaysia, as there are no ongoing recruitments for delivery riders.
Bolt is entering a competitive market in Malaysia, where services like Grab, AirAsia Ride, InDrive, and Maxim are already established, but having more options is always beneficial for consumers.