KUALA LUMPUR: PKR Youth has criticised Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal for being hypocritical and exploiting the gig workers' issue without verifying the facts for political means.
Its strategy director, Bryan Ng Yih Miin, said the Bersatu Youth chief's allegations regarding Grab's management under the Finance Ministry was also inaccurate.
"We have been advocating for the rights of ride-hailing drivers for years, and we condemn Wan Fahysal's hypocritical actions, exploiting this issue, without verifying the facts, for political gain.
"The government has taken a progressive initiative by holding meetings with ride-hailing companies and non-governmental organisations, and currently there are ongoing discussions with the Human Resources Ministry at the pro-tem stage.
"We once again urge the ministries involved to expedite this process to ensure the future security of ride-hailing riders in Malaysia," he said in a statement.
Ng added that any changes affecting riders' interests should be discussed and negotiated with the riders, especially those involving payment rates that directly impact their livelihoods.
"The transparency and fairness between companies and riders need to be emphasised.
"Grab Malaysia needs to fulfill its responsibility as an employer in ensuring the welfare of riders is guaranteed, rather than solely focusing on profits as an industry player.
"These changes are imposed without any prior consultation with the riders, even though Grab has often referred to them as 'partners' or 'collaborative associates' before."
It was previously reported hailing services company Grab Malaysia announced a delivery fee and bonus framework restructuring effective Jan 16, a move that has since drawn criticism and protests.
This, it said, was to ensure a steady stream of earning opportunities for drivers and delivery riders from its platform and fair compensation for every booking they complete.
The restructuring aims to strike a balance between stakeholders and provide a fairer, more stable earning scheme to those who need it the most.