IN collaboration with the Transport Ministry, e-hailing company Grab Malaysia today announced its unique passenger verification feature that enables users to verify their identity on Grab’s app via a live selfie option.

This is part of Grab’s long-term safety commitment to set the bar high for transportation safety standards and bring preventable incidents on its platform down to zero through technology innovations.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said Malaysia is setting the pace for the region in many ways including working together through public-private collaboration.

“Through public-private collaboration, we are working together with Grab to find innovative ways to harness technology for social good.

“Technology is a great enabler – it changes the way we get around and now, with the support and commitment from Grab, we are seeing the safety bar being raised to roll out new, innovative solutions powered by technology that will make transportation in Malaysia safer every day,” he said when officiating the event at the Grab Malaysia headquarters in Bandar Utama today.

Loke said Grab was able to play a more significant role in creating a safer Malaysia by reducing the number of preventable road incidents and protecting Grab drivers as they strive to earn a living.

“Safety has always been a priority (and) major concern for Malaysians both on and off the roads. Grab has always been focused in solving this challenge from the very beginning as we work together to find the best solutions for the safety of Malaysians who depend on e-hailing services every day.

“We are glad that Grab has put safety at the core of their operations, and we are confident that we will be able to bring the number of preventable incidents down to zero,” he said.

Meanwhile, country head of Grab Malaysia Sean Goh said the advanced facial recognition technology now built into Grab’s app ensured that the selfie taken is of a “live” human and is also able to detect and reject inappropriate photos.

He said passengers can be assured that their selfies would only be used for a one-time verification and, like all personal data on Grab, would be protected under Malaysia’s Personal Data Protection Act.

“Since its initial rollout early this year, this feature has served as a strong deterrence against crimes. Passenger-related crimes on our platform have declined by 30% as a result of it being launched as a requirement for all new users, giving our driver-partners greater peace of mind,” he said.

Goh also said the selfie would not be displayed as a profile picture or shared with any external party, including drivers and merchants. – Bernama, April 11, 2019.