News & Reviews:   e-hailing

Grab might launch a new feature called Women-Only Rides (Beta), which allows female passengers to book rides with female drivers. This feature was introduced in an effort to improve the comfort and safety of female users when using the e-hailing service.

Recently, Maxim Malaysia stated that the e-hailing sector remains open to individuals of all ages, with no upper age limit, provided applicants meet the necessary licensing and safety requirements. So, what should you know about it?

Today, Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance (MoF) has announced that a tiered eligibility system under the BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) petrol subsidy programme will be activated in the middle of each month. Introducing a more tailored fuel support mechanism for e-hailing drivers based on their monthly travel distances, the scheme aims to create a fairer and more inclusive distribution of subsidised petrol while safeguarding the livelihoods of drivers who rely on fuel for their daily operations.

During the Engine Lubricant Contribution Program yesterday, our local Minister of Communications, Fahmi Fadzil made a statement that telcos need to do better in providing affordable internet packages to taxi and e-hailing drivers.

In case you missed it, a Malaysian passenger uploaded an image on Twitter X showing his disbelief. The image shows an e-hailing driver with his cardboard showing additional charges for using the vehicle's air conditioner.

For some reason, there is a surge of new e-hailing services in Malaysia. The latest player to come into the market is GV Ride (GVR). To make itself distinct from other competitors, it will introduce electric vehicle (EV) services in December. This marks the first company to offer such services.

When it comes to e-hailing services, most people will think of Grab. Well, it looks like we have another competitor in the market. According to sources, Bolt has already launched in Malaysia but without telling anyone.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook has revealed that his Ministry has never approved any e-hailing service provider in the country to use the price bidding system for passengers. He added that his ministry was not informed about the matter and has since directed the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) to investigate the matter.

Grab recently announced the launch of JustSave, which is a carpooling service that allows passengers to save money by sharing rides with other passengers who are headed in the same direction. For now, there’s only a maximum of 2 bookings per ride. Currently available in selected areas in Klang Valley, Malaysia, JustSave will be rolled out to more areas in the coming months. 

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has announced that all p-hailing drivers and riders will be required to contribute to the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) under the Social Security Organisation (Socso). Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Wee asserted that the contributions will be made as a pre-condition for them to obtain a vocational license, which itself will be made mandatory.