KUCHING: GrabFood and foodpanda delivery riders went on strike today over low delivery fees.
New Sarawak Tribune sat down with some riders to get their comments as well as to find out what can be done to ensure better working environment for them.
A foodpanda delivery rider who only wanted to be known as Aisyah felt that the rate being paid to her was less than what was offered by GrabFood.
She suggested that the company raise the rate so that none of the riders from foodpanda would jump ship.
She also feared that if this keeps on continuing, it would be hard for riders to survive, due to the rising prices of food and beverages.
Another rider, who wanted to remain anonymous, felt that the rate for each kilometre was lower than what they were supposed to get.
“It is actually not fair, because the company decided to charge the customer more, and at the same time, they chose not to charge us more, that’s probably the reason why they were dissatisfied,” he said.
He added that the rate should have been reasonable considering the current economic situation such as the cost of oil and gas, the cost of motorcycle maintenance.
“So the company should pay us more, so that we feel satisfied with the job that we did, with the payment and others.”
“It is good to protest as long as it does not involve any physical conflict or harm,” a former rider said on condition of anonymity.
He added that the protest reflected “the hardship that these riders are facing after the rise in cost of living since July 1.”
“The decrease of commission to RM3 is a backward move during such a hard time but it was quickly clarified by Grab Malaysia that it never happened.”
He said perhaps the company could also look at their data centre and work with the research analysts and public relations team to resolve the situation. “It’s a win-win solution for the customers, riders and the company.”
He added that rider could help to alleviate this problem by having sessions with the companies to iron out concerns and reach a solution that satisfied both parties.
“The government can also take the opportunity to share the initiatives that these riders can participate in to increase their income.”
