Grab Malaysia will co-fund initiatives with the government to raise gig workers’ earnings and reduce operating costs under Budget 2027, with median monthly net income for e-hailing drivers expected to increase by up to RM227 and delivery riders by up to RM100.
The measures include a proposed minimum baseline rate for e-hailing and p-hailing workers from 2027, although final rates remain subject to deliberations by the Gig Consultative Council. Grab said the proposed adjustment was intended to improve workers’ take-home earnings while keeping passenger fares stable during the rollout.
To lower operating expenses, the government will help fund a vehicle maintenance subsidy, beginning with lubricants. The subsidy is expected to reduce partners’ operating costs by up to 35%.
Grab will also introduce an interim safety incentive for driver-partners with good safety scores, aimed at reducing regulatory e-hailing insurance costs by up to 25%.
Under measures to strengthen social protection, Grab and the government will support mandatory contributions to the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) as part of the transition under the Gig Workers Act. Grab’s most active driver- and delivery-partners will receive fully subsidised coverage, while other partners will receive contribution subsidies of up to 50%.
The company will also work with the government to introduce a monthly transit pass covering discounted e-hailing rides to and from train stations, starting in the Klang Valley. The initiative aims to improve first- and last-mile connections to public transport while generating additional demand for drivers.
Grab Malaysia executive director Rashid Shukor said the initiatives were intended to ease the financial pressures faced by its driver- and delivery-partners through higher earning opportunities and lower daily operating costs.
The company said it would continue working with the government and relevant stakeholders as the measures progress towards implementation.
