Foodpanda says payment scheme misunderstood, regrets boycott calls

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 8 Oct 2019 9:10PM · 5 Comments

Foodpanda says its explanation on its new payment system for delivery riders has been taken out of context. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, October 8, 2019.

AS calls to boycott Foodpanda grow on Twitter, the online food delivery company has appealed for support, saying news reports on its explanation about its new payment system for riders had been taken out of context.

The hashtag #boycottfoodpanda is now trending on Twitter, after a day of news on a press conference by the company’s managing director Sayantan Das yesterday.

Das has explained the breakdown of the new payment system that applies only to riders outside the Klang Valley, saying it was based on efficiency and rewarded riders based on deliveries.

He said it also gave bonuses if riders completed 40, 50 or 80 hours a week, and could help riders earn more.

“We are disheartened to see a call to boycott Foodpanda, after parts of our statement from yesterday’s press briefing was taken out of context.

“Our intention was to share our part of the story, with details on the new scheme as many were misinformed. We’re confident the new payment scheme be beneficial to our customers, partners and especially our riders,” the company said in a statement tonight issued through a public relations agency.

Foodpanda added that it will continue to monitor implementation of the scheme before the next course of action.

“Foodpanda is an ecosystem of riders, partners and customers – our pillars of strength. We truly appreciate and value your continuous support.”

The calls for a boycott began after Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman tweeted last night following Das’ press conference, calling the company “arrogant”.

The minister also implied a boycott when he tweeted that workers and consumers such not support such a company.

Foodpanda has refused to revert to its old payment system despite advice from the Human Resources Ministry last week.

Das yesterday said Foodpanda welcomed the differing views but added that the government should not intervene in the running of its business, which had to make sustainable decisions for customers and riders.

The new payment scheme which took effect on September 30 essentially pays riders per delivery and provides bonuses for more hours worked, instead of the old system where they were paid RM4 for every hour plus a delivery fee. – October 8, 2019.

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Comments

  • Dammit waiting 45 minutes now for my food.

    Posted 4 years ago by P P · Reply

  • In racism-ridden Malaysia it would have been prudent for Foodpanda to have asked a senior Malay official to present their case. Remember, a majority of their riders are Malays. With this haughty Indian coming out so bluntly it just gives room for the Malay dignity types to stir the s**t. Im surprised that these Foodpanda blokes didnt even know that!

    Posted 4 years ago by Simple Sulaiman · Reply

  • A junior Minister getting involved in an area out of his ambit and encouraging a boycott? We suspected that he was never quite the material to be a Minister then, and have been proven correct now.

    Posted 4 years ago by Arul Inthirarajah · Reply

  • Riders not agreeing to New scheme benefiting them. Somebody must be lying.

    Posted 4 years ago by H. Mokhtar · Reply