DUE to financial contraints, 20% of this year’s 403,637 SPM examination students are expected to join the gig economy as food delivery riders.

P-Hailing Organisation deputy president Abdul Hakim Abdul Rani told Mingguan Malaysia that many of the school leavers will take the job pending admission into university but some might continue to work after that.

“It is the job of the parents to ensure their kids get a good education but SPM holders must be aware of their family’s situation. Times are tough and people are struggling to make ends meet,” he said.

“I’m sure we will see an increase of around 20% of registrations for p-hailing. Times are difficult. People are struggling for money resulting in them not continuing their studies after SPM.”

Earlier this month, Mingguan Malaysia reported that about 460,000 SPM graduates will not pursue further studies over the next three years.

In April, Deputy Transport Minister Hasbi Habibollah said the Land Public Transport Agency will regulate the income of delivery riders to prevent exploitation.

He said the Land Public Transport Act 2010 was amended to allow the government to regulate goods and vehicle services, including the use of motorbikes for p-hailing. – June 18, 2023.