KUALA LUMPUR – The protest by p-hailing riders on Friday at the Transport Ministry in Putrajaya is being planned despite non-governmental organisations representing them having met the Human Resources Ministry late last month, Scoop learned.
The HR Ministry met NGOs representing p-hailing riders on January 30, 2024 to address their concerns over payment structures. The NGOs include Persatuan Perpaduan Rakan Penghantar Malaysia (PPRPM) and Persatuan Penghantar P-Hailing Malaysia (Penghantar).
This development follows disruptive blackout campaigns by the associations.
People familiar with the matter said the parties attended the inaugural Pro Tem Committee Meeting for Gig Activists (p-hailing). The discussions, responding to the call for the formation of Malaysian Gig Economy Commission (Segim), were aimed at fostering a balanced dialogue with NGOs.
During the meeting, PPRPM led discussions on key points, including a proposal for a minimum fare. However, the ministry emphasised the autonomy of platforms such as Grab or Foodpanda to determine fares, as well as the freedom of gig workers to decide where and who they want to work with.
Additionally, senior officials from the ministry highlighted the importance of providing a clear “exit strategy” for gig workers through upskilling opportunities.
Associations a political football or independent voice?
Amid the protests and calls for Segim’s establishment, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli had recently emphasised that the government’s focus was on addressing the job market rather than intervening in the gig economy.
Discussions on the gig economy have expanded with Rafizi highlighting the inclusion of higher-skilled jobs.
Interestingly, the upcoming protest was publicised by PAS party organ Harakah, linking it to a memorandum submission in protest of GrabFood Malaysia’s revised rates.
Also, at a protest last month, Perikatan Nasional’s Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal’s presence raised suspicions of political motivations, although he denied organising the event and insisted on joining at the riders’ insistence.
Penghantar deputy president Abdul Hakim Abdul Rani expressed dissatisfaction with GrabFood’s recent decisions, criticising the company’s actions as “completely irresponsible.”
The “Road to Putrajaya” rally tomorrow aims to reinstate the previous basic rate for GrabFood riders, with Hakim warning of potential further protests if the situation does not improve.
Grab Malaysia, in response to a protest last month, emphasised its commitment to have open communication with delivery partners, addressing concerns raised over its new earnings structure implemented on January 16, 2024.
The company reported positive outcomes for active partners under the revised structure and announced additional improvements to make incentives more accessible.
In a surprising move, Grab Malaysia increased the cancellation rate requirement, potentially putting more money in p-hailing riders’ pockets. However, contradictions within p-hailing rider associations and the apparent political nature of protests raise questions about unity and majority support within the industry.
Despite Grab’s efforts to address concerns and improve income levels, the recent protest’s lacklustre turnout indicates challenges in achieving consensus among p-hailing riders, potentially fueled by political influences and differing perspectives within their representative associations.
Contradictory statements from the leadership of Penghantar also indicated a lack of unity within the association regarding the January 16 “blackout” protest by Grab delivery riders.
The conflicting views between Penghantar president Zulhelmi Mansor and Hakim may have contributed to the low turnout of only 100 riders protesting against the new fee and bonus structure. – February 15, 2024