Grab Malaysia introduces a tipping option

Grab believes that passengers may want to show their appreciation to the driver with a tip.

Grab Malaysia has introduced a new feature on the app, allowing users to tip their drivers. (How very American of them.)

"It is one more wonderful way to thank your driver!" it states on the Grab app.

Once the passenger gives the driver a five-star rating in app, they will be able to access the tipping feature, which is only available for Grab rides, and payments made via GrabPay. 

At the moment, the tipping amounts are set to RM2, RM4 and RM6, and users are unable to give a personalised amount. However, the Grab Malaysia FAQ states that riders can also opt to tip using cash.

Grab says tipping is not mandatory and 100% of the amount goes to the driver. Also, users will not get GrabReward points on the tips, and will only earn the points based on their fares. 

If a passenger forgets to tip, they have up to 72 hours after the ride ends to rate and tip their drivers. Riders will get a separate e-receipt for the tip that will be sent to the passenger's registered email. 

The new feature comes in the latest update of the Grab app on iOS and Android.

On March 25, Grab Malaysia implemented a new policy where riders may be charged between RM3 to RM5 for late cancellation, or an RM5 no-show fee if the driver cancels the ride after waiting more than five minutes.

The company said it will not charge both fees at the same time. The news received mixed views from both users and drivers.