Philippines, Malaysia put Uber-Grab deal under anti-competition scrutiny

Used Grab and Uber helmets are seen at used-helmet shop in Jakarta, Indonesia, April 2, 2018. REUTERS/Beawiharta

MANILA/KUALA LUMPUR: Philippines and Malaysia said on April 2 they will look into whether Uber Technologies' move to sell its South-East Asian business to ride-hailing rival Grab hinders competition, days after Singapore began a probe into the deal on similar concerns. 

The expanded scrutiny of the deal in South-East Asia could pose a major hurdle to the US firm's attempt to improve profitability by exiting its loss-making regional operation. It also comes as Grab is set to face tougher competition from Indonesian rival Go-Jek.