3 Ways That Grab is Helping to Tackle the COVID-19 Crisis in Malaysia
by Vincent Fong March 31, 2020COVID-19 has no doubt proven to be one of the greatest adversity that our nation has faced in recent times. It is during these difficult times that it becomes more important for us to unite and do our part to help our fellow Malaysians to cope with this crisis.
How a company treats its employees, partners, and stakeholders will define a brand once we emerge out of this and we’ve recently seen a number of examples of companies from the tech ecosystem playing their role in this crisis.
Axiata, for example, announced the launch of a RM 150 Milllion fund to aid micro-SMEs affected by COVID-19. Meanwhile startups like PolicyStreet announced recently that they are working with foodpanda to help offer protection to its riders. In fact MDEC is also compiling an ever-growing list of tech companies from various verticles offering their helping hand in this time of need.
It’s heartening to see solidarity among the community to help each other during these tough times. Two weeks into the MCO (Movement Control Order) announced by the Malaysian government, services like Grab have become increasingly essential to consumers and a vital source of income for its network of riders.
During this period of time, we’ve received a flurry of announcements from Grab on new initiatives intended to help combat this pandemic. Given its important role at this time, we thought it might be worthwhile to look at how some of these initiatives will help.
Programmes for Grab Drivers and Riders
Grab announced a “Partner Protection Fund” of up to RM 1,000 per driver or rider who are tested positive or required by the authorities to self-quarantine. This will help affected to still receive some form of income while undergoing treatment or quarantine.
While deliveries have spiked, demand for ride-hailing has obviously dropped significantly, in response to this Grab shared in a media statement that they already deployed tens of thousands of drivers nationwide to provide services to their Food, Mart and Delivery customers.
At the same time, Grab will also be providing a “Partner Relief Fund” of up to RM 300 which will entitle their Grab drivers and riders vouchers to help with their daily household expenses. These can be used on most Grab services, whether to reload their mobile or to purchase essential food and grocery items at up to 50% off for their families during this period.
Grab will also be giving out masks to their delivery partners which will be given out on a first come first serve basis.
Programs for Small Business
Announced recently, Grab’s Small-Biz Relief program is intended to provide financial relief up to RM 3,000 to each GrabFood small businesses in the form of rebate for every order.
Grab also shared that they will charge 0% commissions on all digital payments made via Whatsapp, Facebook, and phone orders. In this method of payment, Grab will send a customised GrabPay link to each eligible merchants which enables them to receive direct payments via chat free of charge.
At the same time, Grab will also be waiving all commissions if customers choose to pick up the food themselves. With this Grab says it hopes to be able to help their merchants cope with thinner margins.
Up to 20% Pay Cut for Grab’s Senior Leaders
Grab announced yesterday that its senior leaders will be taking up to 20% cut on their salary the salary reduction is said to be used to contribute to various partner relief programmes.
Simultaneously, other Grab employees are able to voluntarily contribute towards the company’s partner relieve initiatives and Grab will match the employee’s donation dollar-to-dollar.
