KUALA LUMPUR – Grab Malaysia has praised Budget 2025 for its comprehensive approach to promoting inclusive economic growth, addressing cost of living challenges, and enhancing local tech talent development.
In a statement, the company expressed its commitment to supporting this vision by providing earning opportunities, affordable services, and essential protections for its partners.
Grab Malaysia Managing Director, Adelene Foo, highlighted the role of technology in improving the experience for both users and partners.
“Through technology solutions, we continuously enhance the experience for both users and partners, reflecting our ongoing mission to serve and empower all Malaysians, in line with the national priorities,” Foo said.
Tackling the cost of living
In support of government efforts to manage rising living costs, Foo said Grab Malaysia offers affordable services such as Group Order, Dine-in, Stamp Cards, and Saver options for transport and food delivery.
She said these features are designed to help consumers lower daily expenses while providing gig workers with more earning opportunities.
Foo pointed to a MyDIGITAL study, which revealed that nearly 70% of gig workers are part-timers, and their supplementary income contributes about 37% to their total earnings. In 2023, Grab partners across the region experienced a 9% year-on-year increase in earnings per transit hour.
Additionally, flexible financial solutions, such as Shariah-compliant Grab Cash Financing-i and Advance Vouchers, help partners manage essential expenses like fuel and groceries, she said.
Budget 2025 prioritises the welfare of the rakyat by focusing on education, healthcare, and financial assistance, with no megaprojects announced.
The total expenditure is RM421 billion, with the Education Ministry receiving its largest-ever allocation of RM64.1 billion and the Health Ministry granted RM45.3 billion to maintain and upgrade facilities.
The budget also includes a minimum wage increase from RM1,500 to RM1,700 starting February 2025 and expanded financial aid under the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah initiative. Subsidies for essentials like RON95 petrol will continue, directly benefiting lower-income communities.
Empowering gig economy workers, supporting MSMEs for economic growth
Foo said Grab Malaysia continues to support the long-term growth of the gig economy by improving its GrabBenefits programme.
The programme provides driver- and delivery-partners with resources including insurance coverage, SOCSO and EPF contributions, upskilling opportunities, and discounts on fuel and vehicle maintenance.
She said these efforts aim to safeguard the well-being of Grab’s partners while helping them navigate the rising cost of living.
The company also recognises the government’s focus on empowering women in business and boosting digitalisation for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Foo said.
In 2023, over 500,000 new MSMEs across Southeast Asia gained access to consumers through the Grab platform.
Foo said Grab Malaysia helps these businesses thrive by offering tools and insights through the GrabMerchant app, enabling them to make data-driven decisions and attract new customers.
“At Grab Malaysia, we remain committed to working alongside the government and industry stakeholders to support Malaysia’s growth, as the nation prepares to chair ASEAN and promote local tourism. Together we aim to build a more resilient and inclusive future,” she said.
“Through ongoing innovation and investment in our partners as well as communities, we focus on contributing to the nation’s development and ensuring that more Malaysians can benefit from the digital economy.” – October 19, 2024