Those with grouses can report Foodpanda for anti-competition - Saddiq

Foodpanda riders unhappy with the company can lodge reports with the Malaysian Competition Commission, said Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (above).

“I heard there will be reports lodged to MyCC, which deals with monopolies and anti-competitive practices, by Foodpanda riders. They’ve been in communication.

“We must follow due process, but those who have their grouses, besides lodging (complaints) to the labour office, should also lodge to MyCC,” Syed Saddiq told Malaysiakini today.

He was speaking on short term solutions for the ongoing strike by Foodpanda delivery riders.

Foodpanda delivery riders had gone on strike against a new pay scheme that came into force for delivery riders outside the Klang Valley since Sept 30.

The scheme would replace the flat hourly rate for riders with higher payouts for each delivery. Riders have argued this would cut down their earnings due to low frequency of orders.

Yesterday, the company said it would stick with the new plan despite the cabinet advising them to revert to the original scheme.

The company’s managing director Sayantan Das (above) also said that riders have a legal right to strike, but advised them to switch their shifts with those who still want to work.

Syed Saddiq, in a response last night, said companies should not be arrogant, and said only corporations that are fair to its workers and customers should be supported.

The minister told Malaysiakini that this was his personal opinion.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad told reporters in Parliament today that Syed Saddiq’s remarks did not represent the government’s stand.

“That is his opinion. He did not discuss (his latest remarks) in the cabinet at all.

“That is not the government’s stance. Maybe he has a reason for saying that,” he said.

The Cabinet meets on Fridays when Parliament is in session.

Meanwhile, Syed Saddiq said the government also has a long term plan to safeguard the interests of gig economy workers such as food delivery riders.

“We set up a committee to look into long term amendments to ensure that riders and workers in the gig economy will be protected,” he said.

The committee consists of the Human Resources, Domestic Trade, and Youth and Sports ministries.

Syed Saddiq said Human Resources Minister M Kulasegaran had briefed the committee that the papers have been sent to the Attorney-General’s Chambers to be fine tuned. - Mkini