Special telco package, discounts for delivery riders

A special telecommunications package with exclusive discounts for p-hailing riders will be announced today, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

He said from discussions with CEOs of all telecommunications companies yesterday, a decision was reached to provide a special telecommunications package for this group.

He said the government is aware of the complaints from these workers and hoped the government’s efforts would somewhat alleviate their difficulties and help them carry out their daily tasks.

“The government understands the difficulties faced by our rider brothers who toil to deliver food and packages for everyone, especially under the scorching sun and heavy rain.

“This is a small victory for all workers in the p-hailing industry. Thank you, riders, for serving us all this time,” said Fahmi on Facebook.

In the same post, he also shared the story of a Foodpanda delivery rider, a father of two, on the challenges faced by workers in the profession.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil

He said the man only earns about RM4,000 per month, with his wife not working, and that income is insufficient to cover the rising cost of living.

“What is more saddening is that he hasn’t been able to pay his phone bill for two months. There were times when he had to borrow RM200 from a friend just to pay the bill, considering that the use of the phone is the most essential need for a rider.

“As a father, I understand the challenges he faces. We chatted for almost 40 minutes, and the idea to do something (introduce a special internet package) to help our rider community came about,” he said.

- Bernama