DELIVERY services that use motorcycle riders want at least a subsidy or a flat rate to test their workers for Covid-19.

They are still in the dark as to how the government intends to implement its directive that delivery riders must undergo testing.

They told The Malaysian Insight they cannot afford to bear the extra costs for testing, as their businesses have taken a hit due to the movement-control order (MCO).

This follows Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s statement last week that e-hailing companies must send their riders and drivers for Covid-19 screening.

These tests, however, would have to be done at private hospitals, which charge around RM600 per screening.

Covid-19 tests at public hospitals are reserved for those with close contact with an infected person, are a SARI (severe acute respiratory illness) case or are considered a patient under investigation for the virus.

Foodpanda Malaysia’s head of government relations Khairil Ahmad Kamil Ahmad said his company is currently in talks with the authorities.

“Foodpanda is waiting for the government to issue a standard operating procedure. We will comply with government regulations,” he said in a statement to The Malaysian Insight.

A Grabfood spokesman also said the company is in talks on how testing should be done for riders and who would foot the bill. Grabfood has 10,000 delivery workers.

Andrew Chee, RunningMan’s CEO, said the company has about 60 riders in the Klang Valley and Malacca.

“We suggest that the government give us a flat rate for Covid-19 screening or subsidises the fee. Otherwise, it will be a burden to us.

“At least, the government can bear part of the testing cost. That way, the company does not need to pay the full cost.”

Chee said delivery companies are already taking steps to ensure their riders follow health guidelines. They did this with daily temperature checks and issuing reminders on frequent hand washing and using hand sanitisers, as well as contactless deliveries.

Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong, when asked for the latest on the implementation, told The Malaysian Insight he will meet with delivery company representatives soon.

The issue is riders who are not covered by the Social Security Organisation (Socso), as companies operating during the MCO are to have their employees screened for Covid-19, with cost borne by Socso.

“Some riders might not be covered by Socso, so I want to speak with the companies first and get a figure of the riders,” Wee said.  

Wee is seeking details on how many riders are working full time before drawing up an SOP on Covid-19 testing fees. – April 22, 2020.