inDrive Calls for Equal Access to Budget 2027's RM160 Million Gig Worker Package

Ride-hailing company inDrive has asked the government to make sure drivers on every licensed platform can benefit from Budget 2027's support for gig workers. inDrive Malaysia urged clarity on whether drivers outside Grab will have equal access to a RM160 million package jointly funded by the government and Grab, according to Focus Malaysia on 12 October 2026.

The RM160 million package

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the package when tabling Budget 2027 on 9 October 2026. Based on the report, it will be implemented from 2027 and aims to raise net income and improve welfare for e-hailing drivers and p-hailing delivery workers. It includes:

• Higher minimum income rates
• Help with vehicle maintenance and insurance costs
• Contributions to the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO)

The government estimates median net monthly income could rise by up to RM227 for e-hailing drivers and RM100 for p-hailing workers. The Gig Workers Consultative Council is expected to finalise a minimum income rate, income formula and minimum social protection standards in early 2027.

inDrive's concerns

inDrive Malaysia drive operations manager Azlan Anwar said support for gig workers was welcome, but transparent eligibility criteria are needed so assistance reaches drivers across the industry.

"Where initiatives involve partnerships with individual platform operators, we hope similar opportunities for collaboration can be explored across the wider industry to extend support to more eligible drivers," he said, as quoted by Focus Malaysia.

He also said driver earnings should be measured by what drivers take home after fuel, maintenance and insurance, not gross income alone.

Key takeaway: many drivers use more than one app. Support schemes tied to one platform risk leaving some workers out.

EPF and SOCSO incentives

inDrive also welcomed Budget 2027 measures for long-term financial security. Under the budget, the government will offer a 35% matching incentive for PERKESO contributions by e-hailing and p-hailing workers, rising to 50% if their platforms also contribute. Matching EPF contributions of up to RM600 a year, capped at RM6,000 over a lifetime, will also be offered.

Azlan said these measures will only work with clear eligibility criteria, accessible contribution methods and practical implementation for drivers with varying incomes, including part-timers and those on multiple platforms.

Fair competition and consumer choice

Azlan said inDrive was ready to work with the government and industry stakeholders to strengthen driver welfare, promote fair competition and preserve consumer choice. inDrive said inclusive support across the licensed e-hailing industry would help ensure drivers are not disadvantaged by their choice of platform. Many Malaysian drivers switch between apps depending on demand, so eligibility rules that recognise multi-platform work could matter to a large share of the driver community.

What it means for Malaysians

For gig workers and their families:

1. Check eligibility once details are released, especially if you drive or deliver on more than one platform.
2. Take advantage of EPF and SOCSO matching, which can build retirement savings and protection at low cost.
3. Track your net income, after fuel and maintenance, since that is how support is likely to be measured.
4. Follow the consultative council, as its decisions on minimum income rates in early 2027 will affect earnings.

For more on how Budget 2027 affects households, see our Budget 2027 explainer.

What to watch

Watch for official guidelines on the RM160 million package, whether other platforms join similar arrangements and the consultative council's decisions on minimum income and social protection standards in 2027.