PETALING JAYA: Thousands of inDrive drivers nationwide could benefit from wider access to government-backed assistance, with the e-hailing operator welcoming measures to strengthen gig workers’ income security and social protection.
inDrive Malaysia driver operations manager Azlan Anwar said the RM160 million assistance package jointly funded by the government and Grab was a positive step, but called for wider industry participation so eligible drivers on other licensed platforms could also benefit.
“Will drivers working across other licensed e-hailing platforms have equal access to these benefits?”
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Azlan said inDrive had thousands of drivers nationwide and encouraged the government to explore partnerships with other e-hailing operators.
“Government-backed support for insurance, income security and social protection should be guided by transparent and inclusive eligibility criteria, ensuring that eligible drivers across licensed e-hailing platforms have equitable opportunities to benefit,” he said.
The proposed minimum earnings framework for gig workers in 2027 should take into account drivers’ take-home income after expenses such as fuel, vehicle maintenance and insurance.
“The proposed minimum earnings framework should reflect these realities while preserving the flexibility that allows Malaysians to participate in the gig economy according to their individual needs,” he said.
Azlan also welcomed additional matching incentives for contributions to the Social Security Organisation and support for the Employees Provident Fund, saying these could strengthen drivers’ long-term financial security.
He said accessible contribution mechanisms and clear conditions would be important so that part-time drivers and those working across multiple platforms could benefit.
“As Malaysia moves towards a new minimum earnings framework in 2027, we believe the government has an opportunity to establish a level playing field that protects driver welfare, encourages healthy competition and preserves consumer choice.
“inDrive stands ready to work with the government and other industry stakeholders towards these shared objectives,” he said.
Budget 2027, tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Oct 9, includes the RM160 million government-Grab package, alongside broader social protection measures and plans for a minimum earnings framework for gig workers in 2027.