MORE than 65,660 Bumiputeras have ventured into the p-hailing sector, mostly during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (Teraju).

Teraju survey findings showed that the number of Bumiputera p-hailing riders – most of whom are young, single and either Orang Asli, Malay-Muslims or Sabah and Sarawak Bumiputeras – make up 93.8% of the 70,000 food deliverymen in Malaysia.

The survey also found that 51.7% of the 503 respondents ventured into the sector during the first movement control order (MCO), 20.5% during MCO 2.0 and 18.5% during MCO 3.0.

As many as 77% joined to earn a side income, while 23% saw it as their main source of income, most of whom are self-employed, students and private employees.

Teraju conducted the “Job Opportunities in P-hailing Services Industry among the Bumiputera during Covid-19” survey between April 26 and May 21.

All the respondents agreed that time is the main factor that lured them into the sector, followed by income, survival, economy and qualifications, among others.

A total of 72% are school leavers, 27% are degree holders and 1% are postgraduate degree holders.

More than 70% admitted to having been involved and/or injured in accidents, but less than half are covered by personal insurance.

As many as 86.4% claimed that they get no help from p-hailing companies if they are involved or injured in any kind of accident.

The respondents strongly agreed that contributions to the Employees Provident Fund and Social Security Organisation, insurance coverage, medical cards, sick leaves and death benefits should be provided by companies. – Bernama, November 11, 2021.