Grab Malaysia hopes the soon to be announced Malaysian Budget 2018-19 will focus on the needs of the average Malaysian in a more fundamental way. This is especially relevant as the challenging global macroeconomic environment has put tremendous pressure on businesses and consumers alike.
“I believe the Budget 2018 will see a focused proposal of strategies that are aimed at strengthening the Malaysian economy in general; but with a special focus on Malaysia’s fast rising digital economy, our unique and growing digital needs and strengthen the role the country is playing in the region’s digital infrastructure development,” said its country manager Sean Goh.
“I also believe the Government will focus on providing an even better and scalable digital infrastructure to Malaysians, giving impetus to Affordable Mobility for the Rakyat. This will likely include a continued focus on Internet connectivity, digital services, and businesses that allow Malaysians to live better, earn more, and benefit from the Digital Economy, in new and ever more innovative ways.”
A key aspect of the Malaysian economy depends on mobility and integrated, well-maintained transportation networks. The safe and easy transportation of goods, people, and ideas, not only fuels productive growth, but also impacts Malaysians’ access to basic needs like education, employment, medical facilities and healthcare, food and nutrition.
The increasing importance of mobility to local and regional economies can not be stressed enough and hence it is imperative for Public Private Partnerships that align with urban planning policies and “smart city” infrastructure.
“This is only fitting that Malaysia, once again paves the way in connectivity for a digital world - we are after all renowned builders of roads, highways and other transportation systems the world over!”
Goh said that for this upcoming Budget 2018, Grab hopes for:
1. Support for Malaysians who use public shared services to reduce congestion on our roads
We look forward to subsidized e-hailing rides to and from designated transit stations and public amenities, including trips to Government hospitals, sports hubs, libraries and UTC venues.
This will help increase mobility and support public transportation with first mile/last mile gaps, especially in underserved populations. Eventually, together with the government, we aim to provide a seamless transit network, where our drivers are part of the public transportation system.
This will help underpin the Government’s many efforts to reduce the growing congestion on our roads and improve lives in general for all Malaysians.
2. Affordable Access to Vehicles
Further, as an industry which has already created hundreds of thousands of economic opportunities across the country, we would hope for concessions in the form of excise duty rebates for Malaysian made cars that are used in service of the Malaysian public through services like Grab.
Via the Grab platform, the excise duty exemption will further boost affordable access to transportation for Malaysians; while empowering Malaysians - especially our youth - who seek to explore their entrepreneurial aspirations.
Access to more affordable vehicles will allow Malaysians to consider driving for ride hailing services to supplement their income while boosting our local manufacturing industry and support for the national automakers.
This would be of help to the Malaysian economy in general and the sharing economy in particular. It would also help ride hailing players continue to contribute to Malaysia’s growth story with jobs and accessibility.
3. Continued support for Government efforts to bring about a level playing field.
As a Malaysian born brand, Grab has consistently ensured that we observe and fulfill all our responsibilities as a corporate citizen with deep roots in the country. This includes paying our taxes and ensuring that all our operations are compliant.
We hope to see the government continuing to pursue its stated objective of ensuring that all players in the ride-sharing industry do so as well, and not deny Malaysians of the benefits of the revenue that the Government could use to improve lives for us all.
