KUCHING: Sarawak welcomes the launch of airasia ride in the state as it is expected to create more job opportunities for the locals due to the increasing demand of e-hailing services.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin was glad to note that 85 percent of the net fares will go directly to the drivers, allowing them to enjoy higher incomes.
“We are happy to know that the drivers will be making more (money), making it a viable part time job option and side income opportunity, compared to some ride hailing providers in the market that will penalize drivers for not accepting jobs,” he said.
Apart from that, he said, drivers will receive benefits such as Employees Provident Fund (EPU), Social Security Organisation (Socso), medical coverage, among others.
He said this in a text speech read by his deputy Datuk Dr Jerip Susil at that launch of the airasia ride in Sarawak at the Kuching Old Court House here today.
Lee encouraged the drivers and passengers of airasia ride, to provide feedback on the fares and services, so that his ministry will know “if they are cheaper than other e-hailing service providers as they claimed”.
He said Airasia has been a significant player in supporting the tourism industry and economic activities in Sarawak since its inception in 2002.
“We hope the tourists and e-hailing drivers will benefit from the airasia ride,” he added.
Meanwhile, airasia ride Regional Chief Executive Officer Lim Chiew Shan also expressed his gratitude that the e-hailing service is now present across each and every state in Malaysia with the launch in Sarawak.
“We are grateful for the support of the Sarawak Government and we look forward to not only providing better connectivity on the road for our customers, but better benefits for e-hailing drivers with our Full-time Drivers programme as well.
“Sarawakians, try us out today and we hope to be in more locations across Sarawak soon,” said Lim.
