Some Grab Drivers Are Not Happy That They're Losing Money For Cancelling Rides
The ride-hailing service recently implemented a RM1.00 penalty for every ride the riders fail to complete.
By Samantha Khor — 14 Feb 2017, 04:08 PM
Grab drivers are complaining that the ride-hailing service's newly-introduced policy for drivers under its employ is slashing drivers' earnings by RM1,100 to RM1,600 per month
In a press conference earlier today, 14 February, several Grab drivers gathered in protest of the company's policy of imposing a RM1.00 penalty for every passenger they fail to pick up. Pertubuhan Ikatan Usahawan Kecil & Sederhana Malaysia (IKHLAS) president Mohd Ridzuan Abdullah was also present at the press conference.
Grab driver Mohd Kamarul Faisal Kamarulzaman claimed that some drivers have had their earnings deducted up to RM1,600 per month since the policy was introduced, adding that Grab is also deducting more money that it should
According to Free Malaysia Today, Kamarul claimed that some of the drivers are finding it difficult to support their families with their reduced earnings as some of them have rented or bought new cars just to work for Grab.
Another Grab driver who declined to be named said that some Grab drivers are already thinking of quitting, though they hope that Grab will review the policy.
IKHLAS president Mohd Ridzuan Abdullah said that the association, of which some Grab drivers are members of, gave Grab a week to resolve to issue. Should they fail to do so, the drivers will lodge a police report.
"The drivers have to pay for their car, for their errands, suddenly deduct so much, how are we going to live? This is hurting our rice bowl," he said, adding that Grab should not victimise its drivers.
Since 27 January, Grab implemented an acceptance rewards and cancellation fees to ensure that drivers are mindful of their bookings and to deter them from ignoring or cancelling rides
In accordance with the policy, drivers who complete any booking will be awarded an additional RM1.50, while drivers who ignore or reject any jobs will be penalised RM1.00 per booking.
Speaking to The Star, Grab Malaysia's country head said that this enabled part-time drivers to earn more on top of the current earnings module and giving full-time drivers are given opportunities to accept more jobs.
However, it should be noted that the RM1.00 penalty only kicks in after three rejected bookings. That means each Grab driver are able to cancel three rides in a day before being penalised.
"We understand some drivers may not be clear about the calculations – our doors are always open to drivers and any other parties to approach us and discuss any issues that they might have,” Goh added.