Grab drivers' pay cut hindering govt recovery efforts - MP

 

Grab Malaysia’s new fare reductions are a huge obstacle to the government’s efforts of trying to help the country recover from economic pressure, said Hulu Langat MP Sany Hamzan.

He was referring to the ride-hailing and food-delivery firm’s recent fare reduction for drivers from 70 sen to 25 sen per kilometre.

However, the new rates, which were initiated on Jan 16, also involved increasing the fares during peak hours from 20 sen to 43 sen per minute.

“Although this change is supposed to help Grab drivers, it is still unjustified.

“The fare reduction from 70 sen to only 25 sen per kilometre will affect the income of Grab drivers because most of them accept passengers based on distance.

“They do not rely on waiting (for passengers) in congested areas like taxi drivers,” said Sany.

The Amanah lawmaker said this change will hinder the coalition government’s efforts to help the country through its post-pandemic challenges.

He added that people who have lost their jobs during the pandemic have resorted to becoming Grab drivers to support themselves and their families.

“When the government is trying to help the people who are struggling with the increase in the cost of living and insufficient wages, the fate of Grab drivers saddens my heart,” he said.

Sany, who is also the Taman Templer state assemblyperson in Selangor, urged Transport Minister Anthony Loke to intervene in this matter. - Mkini