(From left) Rosham, Mohd Mustaza, Mohd Hazwan and Mushfique after signing the MoU. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star
BLIND and visually impaired individuals in Malaysia can now access free e-hailing rides through an initiative by Maxim in partnership with the Society of the Blind in Malaysia (SBM).
The ride-hailing company has allocated RM1,000 in credit via its mobile application platform to help SBM members get around more easily.
“Sometimes the blind need help crossing the road or finding a bus stop. This collaboration with Maxim eases that burden,” said SBM president Mohd Mustaza Mohammed Zin.
He said the free rides would help blind and visually impaired users travel more easily, as transportation remained a barrier for some members attending essential appointments or participating in programmes organised by the association.
The initiative aims to reduce these challenges by offering a safer and more reliable option for their routine travel needs.
The ride credits will be pooled across three Maxim accounts managed by SBM.
Fares will be automatically deducted whenever a member books a ride through the app.
To keep the initiative running, Maxim will top up the fund whenever the balance drops below RM50.
The nationwide programme, which started in October, is expected to last for six months.
Maxim Malaysia director Mohd Hazwan Musley said the fare rate for passengers with disabilities would be specially adjusted under the collaboration with SBM.
He added that for drivers with disabilities, Maxim would charge lower commission rates, ranging between 0% and 5%, depending on their location and condition.
The collaboration was formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by Mohd Mustaza and Mohd Hazwan at Wisma SBM in Kuala Lumpur.
Also present at the ceremony were SBM general secretary Rosham Sidek and Maxim legal Malaysia head Mushfique Ahmed Chowdury.
At the same event, Maxim also distributed 163 grocery sets to elderly members of the blind community.
Maxim began operating in Malaysia in 2019, with Kuantan as its first city.
It has since expanded to all states and now offers transport, delivery and related services.
