'Walk the talk', p-hailing drivers group tells govt on establishment of SEGiM

SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian Grab Drivers Association calls for Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to stick to his words to establish the Gig Economy Commission (SEGiM).

Its president Arif Asyraf Ali said the association will continue with the 'Grab Blackout Campaign' to demand for p-hailing riders' rights as long as the delivery fares are still low.

"Uncertain price control problems will continue to occur as long as SEGiM is not established and workers will always voice their dissatisfaction to the government.

"People want to see results, don't just talk without any action," he told Sinar.

Previously, Zahid said that he would work towards realising the establishment of SEGiM once it received approval from the entire Cabinet considering that more than 1.2 million individuals were involved in the gig economy.

This followed calls from p-hailing riders for the commission to be set up.

Meanwhile, Arif said the drop in the fare rate was unfair to p-hailing riders because the commission received by the company remained the same and it was still earning from it.

"The company is definitely profit-oriented, even if the price goes down, it won't have an impact.

"So, the establishment of SEGiM aims to regulate delivery fares which were previously set too low," he explained.

He added that p-hailing riders had to bear burden due to the increase in the cost of living and vehicle maintenance.

"The income earned is not enough to cover the expenses, especially when there is a deduction from the Social Security Organisation (Socso)," he said.