Syed Saddiq brands Foodpanda ‘arrogant’ after it refused to revert pay rates

Alfian Z.M. Tahir Alfian Z.M. Tahir Updated 4 years ago · Published on 8 Oct 2019 9:51AM · 9 Comments

Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman has called Foodpanda arrogant after the company said it would continue with its new pay scheme. – The Malaysian Insight pic, October 8, 2019.

FOODPANDA has been branded as arrogant by Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman after refusing to reconsider its new and contentious pay structure.

Taking to Twitter, Syed Saddiq said consumers can bring down arrogant businesses just as they can vote out elected representatives.

“Arrogance is not the way to resolve this matter. As a corporation, they were built up by workers and consumers and can be brought down by the workers and consumers.

“Only support corporations that are fair to workers and consumers.”

His tweet was shared by more than 5,000 users and received more than 4,000 likes. More than 130 people commented.

It was reported yesterday that Foodpanda would not be revising its pay scheme and would go ahead with its new rate structure.

Managing director Sayantan Das said Foodpanda welcomed government concerns but the food-delivery firm must make a decision that was sustainable for its operation and riders.

The new mechanism was drawn up based on data the company received, and could help increase riders’ income, he said.

“We welcome the narrative, views and efforts to understand market demand, but the company has to act without interference from the government,” he told a press conference yesterday.

Riders have alleged that the new pay scheme would halve their earning potential.

The firm, however, argued that the new system would lead to higher revenue for riders based on their daily deliveries.

Sayantan said riders who did not want to work should swap their shifts with other riders.

“If you don’t want to work, please give or swap your shift with other riders because you are affecting their livelihoods.”

Last week, Syed Saddiq hosted Foodpanda and Grabfood riders at his home in Petaling Jaya after the first group began protesting nationwide against the new pay structure.

He affirmed after the meeting that cabinet would be looking into the matter and had urged Foodpanda to retain its previous pay scheme to safeguard rider welfare. – October 8, 2019.

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Comments

  • Syed Saddiq, government has no business interfering with business decisions. The drivers are not forced to hang on if they disagree. Its a free market. Willing buyer willing seller. Stop talking rubbish!

    Posted 4 years ago by Derrick Tan · Reply

  • Advice well taken, decision is theirs. There is no need to rebut. Young man, the company is not breaking any law it is a free market.

    Posted 4 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • A battered ego is what it is for Saddiq. He cant lose face with his young people so now he wantsSo what if GRAB riders may do the same, demand for higher pay or they stage a protest and get people to boycott. You are starting a dangerous precedent and it is not good for business.

    Posted 4 years ago by Elyse Gim · Reply

  • Dear Minister, you want Food Panda to follow your instructions. They should follow as instructed IF you guarantee you will help if they lost money.
    Business is for making money so please bug off if they want to change the rule and regulations as long as they do not break the law.
    I would like to see you setting up a business and see you succeed.

    Posted 4 years ago by Adrian Tan · Reply

  • Syed Siddiq Muslims hv alot of STOLEN MONEY from msia Coffers. Dont show off ur financial power. Trying to bully Foodpanda n Grab . Old habits die hard. Instead of accusing anyone bring down the daily needed goods price down esp the groceries.

    Posted 4 years ago by Mindy Singh · Reply

  • PLS GET LOST BY GE15

    Posted 4 years ago by Mindy Singh · Reply

  • What? Foodpanda doesn't kowtow to demand u branded the business owner arrogant? This minister is so full of himself. Why bother with the rent seekers. Habit borne during apa malu, bos ku. They don't work, they don't eat. Kudos to Foodpanda, stand ur ground. Boycott is only worse for the rest of hardworking riders.

    Posted 4 years ago by Vincent Lim · Reply

  • Who is the ARROGANT ASSHOLE?...

    Posted 4 years ago by Jeffrey Ng · Reply