PETALING JAYA: E-haling drivers will get 35% subsidy for their vehicle maintenance, starting with lubricants, while safe and most active drivers will get a 25% insurance cost discount and free PERKESO coverage.
However, many drivers are not impressed.
One driver from Penang, who wanted to be known as Cheah, said the amount did not amount to much.
“I don’t see much benefit from this. Even the Gig Workers Bill will take time to be implemented.
“Fares are very low and our profit is also low, we are not making enough,” he said, adding that e-hailing insurance also poses a burden for the industry players. Others agree.
“The incentives for car servicing, insurance and PERKESO look sweet on paper but the conditions might be incredibly strict: only Platinum-tier drivers qualify, and to reach that level, you have to swallow the bitter pill of accepting a 10km pickup for a mere RM4 fare,” said one driver on Facebook via Ehailing.fm.
“E-hailing drivers are asking for very little – just the establishment of a minimum fare – yet the government won’t even entertain that,” said another.
Grab Malaysia executive director Rashid Shukor, however, gave an assurance that passenger fares would remain stable while the framework is introduced.
Grab will also introduce a first- and last-mile transit pass in the Klang Valley to generate additional ride demand.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, while tabling Budget 2027, announced that e-hailing drivers and p-hailing delivery riders will enjoy higher net incomes and upgraded social safety nets next year.
The Prime Minister and Finance Minister announced that a RM160mil comprehensive package will be co-funded by the government and industry leader Grab Malaysia.
Under the initiative, the monthly net income for median e-hailing drivers is projected to increase by up to RM227, while p-hailing delivery riders can expect an income rise of up to RM100.
“The package includes higher minimum income rates for e-hailing and p-hailing workers, assistance for vehicle maintenance and insurance costs, as well as coverage for PERKESO contributions,” Anwar said.
He added that the newly formed Gig Consultative Council is currently negotiating to lock in structural minimum income rates, calculation formulas and social protection standards, which are expected to be finalised early 2027.
Gabungan eHailing Malaysia (GEM) expressed its appreciation for the new measures but cautioned that the true success of the policy lies in its grassroots implementation.
“The success of any policy should not be measured only by the amount announced, but by whether the benefits truly reach people on the ground,” GEM said, calling for transparent income calculation mechanisms and more accessible aid distribution.
“Appreciation does not mean the struggle is over. Instead, it is the foundation for continuing cooperation and shared responsibility.”
To further tighten long-term security for self-employed individuals, Anwar also announced that the government will offer a 35% PERKESO matching contribution incentive, rising to 50% if platform companies bear the cost.
A separate 70% matching incentive will cover over 200,000 self-employed individuals in 17 non-mandatory sectors.
Tax relief has also been expanded to cover mandatory Skim Lindung Kendiri contributions, with up to RM150 in additional relief for voluntary contributions to Skim Lindung 24 Jam.
To bolster retirement savings, the government will offer gig drivers an Employees Provident Fund matching incentive of up to RM600 a year, capped at RM6,000 over a lifetime.
Bank Simpanan Nasional and Agrobank will also allocate RM270mil in targeted financing to help gig workers buy their first homes or start businesses.
