GRAB drivers have raised concerns over the potential entry of Indonesian two-wheel ride-hailing service Go-Jek, as they fear that they may lose out on short-haul rides.

They told The Malaysian Insight that customers may prefer Go-Jek because it’s cheaper, convenient and faster, especially in traffic jams.

But they raised concerns over safety, weather and modesty issues when the rider and passenger are of different sexes.

Harry Kong, a 34-year-old part time driver told The Malaysian Insight two-wheel ride hailing services will be faster during jams, as they won’t be stuck in traffic.

Fares will also be lower compared with car rides, which usually get more expensive when peak-hour surcharges kick in.

Go-Jek will add competition to the e-hailing segment, which is already seeing My Car and Grab go head to head, he said.

Grab has kept the minimum fare at RM5, but drivers may lose out on short-haul trips, as motorcycle ride hailing services may charge a cheaper rate.

Additionally, Grab drivers will only get an incentive if the fares are more than RM10 and they are also not allowed to reject trips that cost RM5.

Kong estimates that Go-Jek’s entry may result in him losing 30% of his customers. 

He is now mulling whether it is wise to continue being a Grab driver, as he is just doing it for the extra money to pay his monthly car loan instalments.

Ang Soon Chong, 41, who has just started out as a Grab driver, concurred with Kong that short-haul trips may be affected.

However, Ang who has been driving Grab for about half a month, said long-haul trips are unlikely to be affected.

He also wondered how gender proximity issues could be addressed with Go-Jek.

“Malaysia’s culture is different from other countries. There are many things that have to be avoided. Some religions do not allow men and women to touch each other. This is a situation that is difficult for passengers to avoid when travelling by motorcycles. How will this be addressed?”

As far as safety goes, he said passengers may also be exposed to the risk of snatch thefts.

Another driver who did not want to be named said Grab drivers do not have to worry about Go-Jek as passengers may take the quality of vehicles into consideration.

“The living standard in Malaysia is much higher than Indonesia. I don’t think passengers will put their safety at risk just to save a few ringgit,” he said.

Even with the implementation of initiatives, such as the RM100 public transport pass for trains, the demand for Grab has not deteriorated, he said.

Jochen Lee, 55, has been driving Grab part-time for half a year. He is optimistic that Go-Jek’s entry will be good for the market.

He said it will spark competition and doesn’t think Grab drivers will lose customers.

Safety top concern

Della Lim, 50, who uses Grab quite often, said she will not opt for Go-Jek due to proximity and safety concerns.

But Teo Ann Siang, 29, said he was open to trying Go-Jek.

“I will take (Go-Jek) because it is cheap, especially during a traffic jam. If it is a short distance and there is no rain, I will choose Go-Jek.”

He acknowledged that fear of accidents is one reason passengers will be hesitant.

Teo questioned why proximity between a male and female on a motorcycle is an issue, since Indonesia, a Muslim country, has no issues with Go-Jek.

Selangor mufti Mohd Tamyes Abd Wahid raised the issue when he said it is unIslamic for members of the opposite sex with no family ties to ride together.

“It is inappropriate for men and women who have no family ties to ride together. Why should this be allowed?”

The concerns over safety are not unjustified, as there is a high accident rate involving motorcycles. 

Bukit Aman’s traffic investigation and enforcement department statistics showed that motorcyclists accounted for 65.7% of fatalities in road accidents last year.

Out of the 6,284 lives lost last year in road accidents, 4,128 were motorcyclists. Speeding and collisions were the main reasons for the deaths. – September 2, 2019.