Grab Malaysia has announced a series of co-funded initiatives under Budget 2027, working alongside the Government to improve earning opportunities, reduce operational costs, and strengthen social protection for its driver- and delivery-partners.
Grab Budget 2027 Initiatives For Gig Workers
The first initiative involves a proposed minimum baseline rate for e-hailing and p-hailing workers, set to take effect from 2027. Grab has reached an agreement in-principle on this rate adjustment, which is designed to increase partner take-home earnings while keeping passenger fares stable during the rollout period. The Gig Consultative Council will continue deliberations to finalize the rates.
On operational costs, the Government will co-fund a vehicle maintenance subsidy starting with lubricants, which is expected to reduce costs for driver- and delivery-partners by up to 35%. This measure directly targets one of the most significant recurring expenses faced by gig workers.
The company will also introduce an interim safety incentive to help offset regulatory e-hailing insurance costs – driver-partners with good safety scores will see their insurance costs reduced by up to 25%. Grab has indicated it will continue exploring longer-term solutions to address insurance costs with the Government.
Social protection is addressed through enhanced PERKESO coverage in support of the transition under the Gig Workers Act. Grab’s most active driver- and delivery-partners will receive 100% free coverage, while remaining partners will receive up to 50% contribution subsidies, structured so that take-home earnings are not reduced.
The fifth initiative involves a first- and last-mile monthly transit pass, starting in the Klang Valley. The partnership with the Government will offer commuters discounted e-hailing rides to and from train stations, with the dual aim of improving public transport access and generating additional income demand for driver-partners.
All told, the package is expected to raise median e-hailing driver-partners’ monthly net income by up to RM227, while p-hailing delivery-partners stand to gain up to RM100 more per month.
“We understand that every ringgit matters, whether it comes from additional earning opportunities or savings on the everyday costs of working. In collaboration with the Government, we are taking the lead in the industry to advance measures that can make a meaningful difference to our partners, while building a stronger and more sustainable gig economy,” said Rashid Shukor, Executive Director of Grab Malaysia.
Pokdepinion: I like the fifth one. That being said, this is at best a patch fix rather than a long-term solution to Malaysia’s car-centrism system.
