Grab keeping phone use among its drivers to a minimum

PETALING JAYA: Drivers of e-hailing services rely heavily on their smartphones to scout for customers and also for navigation.

With that in mind, e-hailing service Grab has implemented a function in its app to ensure that its driver-partners do not flout the rules on the road.

Grab Malaysia country head Sean Goh said it enhanced the safety of its driver-partners and passengers through GrabChat, a feature embedded in the Grab application.

He said GrabChat comes with a set of responses which help minimise the time spent on the phone, making it more convenient for drivers and passengers to communicate.

“Additionally, we have also started giving out handphone holders to our new drivers. By year-end, we would have distributed over 20,000 handphone holders nationwide.

“This is part of our Better 365 campaign, aimed at improving the safety and welfare of our driver-partners and passengers.

“We also encourage our passengers to share feedback on drivers who use their mobile phones while driving, or if they drive recklessly,” he said.

Goh added that this will help Grab identify drivers who may pose a safety threat to passengers and other road users.

“We are continuously improving our service to provide safe and dependable rides to Malaysians.

“All Grab drivers undergo basic safety training and programmes like our telematics initiative help reduce speeding,” he said.