KUALA LUMPUR – Grab Malaysia says it has seen improved income levels for its P-hailing riders under the new earning structure for peak-demand periods, despite a pushback from a small group of gig workers.
In a statement, Grab Malaysia said initial observations indicate that numerous active delivery partners have already benefited from incentives during peak hours, and have received more equitable compensation for time and distance.
However, the company acknowledges the challenges faced by some of its delivery partners with the recently implemented earning structure and is actively addressing their concerns through close engagement and feedback sessions.
Grab Malaysia said the new structure, which is integral to the company’s commitment to fostering economic growth, ensures fair compensation for delivery partners based on time, effort, and distance travelled.
“The new earning structure is part of Grab Malaysia’s commitment to foster economic growth for all Malaysians. For our delivery partners, we do this by ensuring they have a steady stream of earning opportunities from our platform and they are fairly compensated for every booking they complete,” it said,
“With the new earning structure, delivery partners who need to put in more time and effort will be more fairly compensated.”
It said those undertaking longer pick-ups and completing bookings during high-demand periods will be rewarded accordingly.
Grab Malaysia affirms its ongoing investments in promotions such as GrabUnlimited, HotDeals, and Kombo Jimat, especially during peak demand, to stimulate demand and ensure consistent earnings for delivery partners.
The company said it remains committed to engaging closely with delivery partners, seeking their feedback, and assisting them in understanding the new earning structure.
Expressing gratitude for their constructive engagement, Grab Malaysia remains committed to providing Malaysians with accessible, flexible, and sustainable earning opportunities.
This statement comes after a small group of Grab Malaysia’s P-hailing riders staged a blackout, which took a political turn after Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal turned up alongside members of PAS mouthpiece Harakah.
However, the Bersatu Youth chief and Machang MP, denied organising the event and insisted that the riders involved asked him to join the rally.
Wan Fayhsal said the riders’ complaints, particularly regarding the revised base fare, are expected to be raised in the Dewan Rakyat in February.
Grab Malaysia recently said that the new revenue structure, effective on Tuesday (January 16), particularly benefits the most active delivery partners.
With the restructuring, deliveries that require more time and effort would be awarded fairer compensation.
While base fares have been revised, incentives have been increased for peak-hour deliveries, remote pick-ups, and additional waiting time during pick-ups.
The changes were done after receiving feedback over the last few months from p-hailing partners, with the additional amount from the fare going towards giving them higher incentives – such as bonuses for distant pickups, long wait times, and peak-hour deliveries.
As of the first quarter of 2023, 97% of Grab’s p-hailing partners across Southeast Asia earned above the minimum wage benchmarks in their respective countries.
Despite these adjustments, some Grab riders have expressed dissatisfaction and encouraged others to boycott the company. – January 19, 2024