Jakarta:The government has announced a support package worth RM160 million under Budget 2027, aimed at enhancing the welfare and income of e-hailing and p-hailing workers in the country. This initiative is seen as a commitment to returning economic growth benefits to the people, as emphasized by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, The Persatuan Rakan Grab Malaysia (PRGM) highlighted that one of the most significant aspects of the package is the aid for vehicle insurance costs, which have increasingly burdened driver-partners due to rising premiums. The support is expected to provide substantial relief to many e-hailing drivers.

The government and Grab have agreed to co-fund this package, which will take effect next year. It includes provisions for higher minimum earnings rates, vehicle maintenance aid, insurance cost assistance, and PERKESO contributions. These measures are projected to increase the median net income of e-hailing drivers by up to RM227 per month and p-hailing riders by up to RM100 per month.

PRGM also expressed hope that the implementation of the package will consider the varying operating costs across different locations, service types, and driver-partners' needs, ensuring equitable distribution of benefits.

Additionally, the government is offering a 35 percent PERKESO matching contribution for e-hailing and p-hailing workers, which could increase to 50 percent with contributions from platform companies. There is also a 70 percent matching contribution initiative for over 200,000 self-employed individuals in 17 non-mandatory sectors.