inDrive Malaysia has called on the Government to ensure that all eligible e-hailing drivers receive fair access to the newly announced RM160 million gig worker support package, raising concerns over whether assistance will extend beyond drivers affiliated with Grab. Azlan Anwar, Driver Operations Manager at inDrive Malaysia, welcomed the Government’s continued efforts to strengthen income security and social protection for gig workers. However, he stressed that support involving public funding should benefit eligible drivers across the wider e-hailing industry, regardless of the platform they use.

With inDrive representing thousands of drivers throughout Malaysia, Azlan said the initiative presents an opportunity to establish a more inclusive approach to supporting workers who contribute to the country’s mobility ecosystem. He emphasised that government-backed assistance covering insurance, income security and social protection should be governed by transparent eligibility requirements, giving drivers across all licensed e-hailing platforms an equitable opportunity to benefit.

While recognising the role of partnerships between the Government and individual operators, inDrive also encouraged authorities to explore similar collaborations with other industry players to extend assistance to a broader pool of eligible drivers. Beyond access to financial assistance, Azlan highlighted the importance of assessing drivers’ actual earnings rather than relying solely on their gross income. Fuel, vehicle maintenance and insurance costs can significantly reduce the amount drivers take home, making these expenses important considerations when developing the proposed minimum earnings framework.

He added that any new framework should balance fair compensation with the flexibility that makes gig work attractive to Malaysians with different financial circumstances and working schedules. inDrive also welcomed additional matching incentives from the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) and support for Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions, describing these measures as potential avenues for gig workers to strengthen their long-term financial security.

However, the company noted that the success of these initiatives would depend on clear eligibility criteria, accessible contribution mechanisms and practical implementation. These arrangements should accommodate drivers with varying income levels, including those working part-time or earning through multiple platforms. Against this backdrop, inDrive is seeking greater clarity on the eligibility requirements for the RM160 million package and whether comparable opportunities will be extended to other licensed e-hailing operators and their drivers.

As Malaysia prepares to introduce a new minimum earnings framework in 2027, the company believes policymakers have an opportunity to create a level playing field that safeguards driver welfare without undermining competition or consumer choice. Azlan said inDrive remains ready to work alongside the Government and other industry stakeholders to develop policies that support sustainable earnings, strengthen social protection and ensure the benefits of the gig economy are shared more equitably across the industry.