As most of us probably know, the Government started implementing requirements for e-hailing drivers to register for a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) license early this year. These drivers were given a period until July 12, 2019 to obtain these licenses.

At RM115/year, many drivers were left in limbo, struggling to figure out the actual process or if this cost will be borne by the driver or the e-hailing company themselves. Some of them have already taken the initiative to apply for these licenses themselves, whilst others, mostly part-time drivers have been waiting for a statement from the likes of Grab and other e-hailing companies.

Well, the wait is over- For Grab drivers at least.

Grab has been hearing a growing voice of concern from the many Malaysians who rely on e-hailing for their livelihood.  Realising that these regulations would affect everyone (themselves included), i.e. fewer drivers would lead to high fares and poor transport reliability for the community, Grab knew they needed to act swiftly in the resolution of these newly added hurdles faced by driver-partners.

Through partnerships and stronger support, it is their hope to provide better clarity and reliable information to unlock the maze of regulatory processes.

Here’s what Grab is doing to make it easier for their driver-partners everywhere:

• Process Mapping: For better clarity and in order to reduce confusion, Grab have mapped out the regulatory process flow into 5 easy-to-follow steps for driver-partners.

• Medical Subsidy: Grab have partnered with clinics nationwide to bring down the cost of the required medical check to RM20. In addition, Grab will reimburse that amount to driver-partners regardless of which clinics they visit for their medical check.

• PSV Training Subsidy: Driver-partners will be provided with an initial RM50 subsidy for their PSV training, as the company continue to seek partnerships with selected driving centres to further bring down the training cost for their driver-partners.

• Car Inspection Subsidy: Grab will be fully subsidising the RM70 for initial inspection cost imposed on cars above 3 years old.

This is just the beginning of their rescue plan to ensure the people continue to have the right to safe, reliable and affordable transportation. Despite the challenges of a very short time frame, they intend to bring their driver-partners across the finish line, to continue to access a flexible income opportunity against the burden of newly introduced costs and hurdles.

In the coming months, Grab will be working with authorities to deliver some of the key promises of the government: to improve the quality and coverage of public transportation and to reduce the burden on the people, by improving income while keeping their transportation costs as low as possible.

Great job by Grab to subsidize the cost but we would argue that it was either that or risk losing a big chunk of their driver-partners. Honestly, it’s the least they can do. With the company having already established a strong foothold in the region, there is no doubt that they’d be able to bear the cost of it without much of an issue.

While the narrative will most certainly be that Grab is looking out for their drivers, it can also be said that they are looking out for themselves. Regardless, i’m sure their driver-partners will be happy.