More senior citizens find fulfilment as Grab driver-partners

New Straits Times

3 days ago

MANY retirees are looking beyond traditional retirement to stay active, supplement their income and remain socially connected. For some, joining Grab as a driver-partner has emerged as a viable path.
With Malaysia expected to become an ageing nation by 2030, Grab continues to recruit senior citizens, aiming to provide them with flexible work opportunities that offer both financial stability and social interaction.
FLEXIBILITY AND DIGNITY
For 68-year-old Yep Sai Kau, also known as Uncle Yep, retirement was not as relaxing as he had imagined. After spending over 40 years in the insurance industry, he found life at home increasingly difficult.
"After six months of doing nothing, I started feeling unwell, with frequent headaches and dizziness. My son told me, 'Dad, you're not the type who can sit still.' So, I looked for something to keep myself occupied," he said.
In 2017, Yep joined Grab. He appreciated that he could choose his own hours, earn a decent income, and avoid the rigid structure of a full-time office job.
"With Grab, if I earn RM100 a day, that's about RM3,000 a month. I drive from 7am to 3pm, then rest. If I want to take a day off, I just do it," he explained.
Now in his sixth year with Grab, he says the job has given him more than just income.
"Some customers even give me biscuits or tips. I keep sweets in my car for the children. Seeing them happy makes me happy too," he added.
FINANCIAL RELIEF
Baharudin Wahab, 64, a former Employees Provident Fund (EPF) officer from Kedah, faced similar challenges after retiring in 2021.
"The first two weeks were fine, but by the third week, I started feeling lonely. I still had two children in university. One has a scholarship, but the other relies on me," he said.
He considered other roles, including lecturing, but ultimately chose Grab for its flexibility and income potential.
"I didn't want to be tied down to a strict schedule after 30 years in the workforce.
"With Grab, I can make around RM4,000 a month gross, which covers my children's tuition and our daily expenses. The best part is, I don't have to touch my EPF savings," he added.
SUPPORTING ELDERLY DRIVERS
Beyond flexibility, Grab offers a range of benefits that senior citizens can rely on.
For example, they can enjoy access to GrabBenefits, which is a specially-designed benefits programme available to all Grab driver-partners, also known as Rakan Grab.
Here, they can enjoy medical discounts, fuel rebates and vehicle maintenance packages that help reduce costs, among other perks.
For those without a car, Grab's vehicle rental partners offer options that allow driver-partners to start driving without large upfront investments.
"Even if you can't afford a car, you can still rent one. You don't have to drive long hours. Just go at your own pace," Yep said.
Grab also places a strong emphasis on safety and well-being. Features such as real-time trip monitoring and emergency support help give peace of mind to older drivers and their families. Drivers can also share their live location with loved ones and access 24/7 assistance if they feel unsafe during a ride.
"If I stop for too long, Grab checks in to make sure I'm okay. That's very reassuring," Yep added.
Both drivers have reported an enriched experience thanks to a renewed sense of purpose and community.
Yep shared a particularly moving experience: "I once picked up a disabled passenger who had to lie down during the ride. After I helped him into the car and dropped him off at the hospital, he hugged me and cried, saying I reminded him of his father. I didn't charge him. I just felt grateful I could help."
For Baharudin, the job is also therapeutic.
"It's not just about money. Driving keeps me active, mentally and physically.
"You meet people, see the outside world, and time passes quickly. Sitting around doing nothing only invites illness," he said.
OPENING DOORS FOR SENIORS
As more retirees look for ways to remain independent, Grab offers a realistic solution with no age discrimination, low entry barriers and a strong support ecosystem.
For instance, Grab fully subsidises onboarding costs for Grab driver-partners, which means zero cost to start driving with Grab, subject to terms and conditions.
Subsidised items include PSV training and license fees, medical checkups, as well as e-hailing vehicle permit (EVP) and Puspakom fees.
These come in addition to the perks previously mentioned, such as fuel rebates, vehicle rentals and maintenance packages.
"Many of my friends are now driving for Grab. Even if you can't afford a car, you can still rent one. You don't have to drive fast or take long hours. Just go at your own pace," Yep said.