A GROUP claiming to represent e-hailing drivers led by an MCA member plans to sue Grab and the Transport Ministry over alleged failure to protect drivers’ rights from discrimination and unfair dismissal.

The Campaign to Protect the Rights of E-hailing Drivers in Malaysia said it has issued a letter of demand to the ministry and to the e-hailing company with several demands, The Star reports.

Group spokesman Ng Kian Nam said the government still has not recognised the rights of e-hailing drivers under the Employment Act in terms of unfair dismissals and discrimination in employment.

Those facing discrimination were people with disabilities and senior citizens.

The letter of demand also asks for a special e-hailing services tribunal to deal with the drivers’ grouses, noting a need for an independent party to mediate between drivers and riders during disputes.

This was because “Grab took riders’ words more seriously than drivers”, Ng was quoted saying.

The situation had made e-hailing drivers feel unsure about their job security, added Ng, who is also MCA Civil Society Movement Bureau chief.

The letter of demand also highlighted the case of a former e-hailing driver named Yip Lai Ching, who claimed to have been dismissed as a Grab driver unfairly over an alleged argument with passengers.

While Grab dismissed her for the arguing with passengers, Yip claims that she had been harassed by the male passengers.

Ng said the group is also raising funds for their legal proceedings against the ministry and Grab, and urged people to donate RM10 each. – November 15, 2019.