KUALA LUMPUR: All p-hailing drivers and riders will be able to enjoy Internet services from as low as RM33 with a data plan of at least 40GB under a special package being offered from now until April 23, says Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister said over 200,000 p-hailing drivers and riders stand to benefit from the newly-launched Rahmah p-hailing package, adding that it will revolutionise the evolving gig economy.
According to Fahmi, the unique feature of the package is that it can be tailored to meet the specific needs of riders and drivers.
“Each package is unique according to the agreement of the telco chosen by the respective platform provider, a business-to-business arrangement.
“What’s great is that the packages are tailored to the needs of p-hailing riders and drivers to ensure that they have the connectivity to perform their duties efficiently and effectively,” he said when launching the package at RTM Angkasapuri here on Tuesday (Jan 23).
The telcos involved in the Rahmah p-hailing package include CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, TM (Unifi Mobile) and YTL Communications (Yes).
The package involves collaborations with 16 p-hailing platform providers, namely FoodPanda, Grab, Bungkusit, Halo Delivery, iHantar, Lalamove, MatDespatch, Parcel365, RideRunner, Shopee, Fasz Food, Lazada Logistics, Belibeli, iGoGet, GoGet and GoLog.
Fahmi said the Rahmah p-hailing package is part of the government’s effort to alleviate the burden on p-hailing drivers and riders and to show them support.
The initiative is also a testament to the government’s commitment to empower the digital economy sector and to ensure that the p-hailing service reaches every corner of the country, he added.
“It is also an important step to... ensuring efficiency and improving the quality of service delivery.
“What's more important, this initiative will increase (riders and drivers') income and open the doors to many more opportunities to empower them,” he added.
Fahmi said the gig economy contributed 7% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021 and the percentage is projected to increase in the coming years.
At a press conference later, Fahmi said the government may consider extending the offer period for the package.
“We will open (subscription) for a few months to assess (the take-up rate) and after a few weeks, we will review it again, perhaps after Chinese New Year. If needed, we will extend it.”
Fahmi said those who are still bound by their current contract or existing plan with any telco can still subscribe to the Rahmah p-hailing package.
“Regarding the (question of) yearly renewal, that will depend on what each company decides. There needs to be some flexibility with subscriptions.
“As we know, sometimes riders change companies so this is between the telcos and the p-hailing companies.
“One year is a standard period for such a (data) plan. We are actually hoping that after one year, there could be more and better Rahmah packages introduced for riders,” he added.
Meanwhile, on the 5G adoption progress, Fahmi said about eight million Malaysians have subscribed to the latest plan as of Dec 31.
“We have between 44 million and 45 million (mobile) accounts in Malaysia and eight million of them have subscribed to 5G, which is very encouraging," he added.
