SARAWAK: As a homegrown brand, Grab Malaysia continues to play a key role in Sarawak, leveraging technology to drive sustainable growth and economic empowerment.

Since 2014, Grab has provided local driver-partners, delivery-partners, businesses and entrepreneurs with a platform to earn income through technology-driven solutions. To date, Grab has enabled earning opportunities for over 40,000 local driver-partners in Sarawak, including more than 60 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and over 700 women.

In 2023 alone, these partners collectively earned over RM100 million on the platform, underscoring Grab's significant impact on the state's economy.

At a recent Sembang TechTarik event, Grab Malaysia managing director Adelene Foo shared how the company is committed to empowering local businesses and partners with the tools to thrive in today's digital economy.

"By equipping micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with innovative solutions, we've witnessed significant growth, such as a 16 per cent year-on-year increase in Sarawak, where over half of these businesses maintained five-star ratings from millions of food lovers.

"As Sarawak gears up to welcome five million tourist arrivals in 2025, we are thrilled to support the state's tourism ambitions with technology-driven solutions that enhance convenience and safety, while driving economic growth and enriching the local communities," she said.

SUPPORTING TOURISM IN SARAWAK

Grab's platform serves one in 20 people across Southeast Asia, and the tech giant hopes to play a role in Sarawak's tourism ecosystem, connecting travellers with local attractions.

Grab is also aligning with Sarawak's Responsible Tourism Vision to support sustainable tourism development and community wellbeing.

With 65 per cent of foreign tourists in Malaysia using the Grab app, the platform plays a key role in discovering authentic local experiences.

Grab recently introduced the Grab Tourist Pack — a simple way for international tourists to enjoy instant savings on rides and meals while exploring Southeast Asia. Available in seven countries, including Malaysia, the Tourist Pack can be purchased by foreign travellers upon arrival.

In Malaysia, travellers can enjoy savings up to RM65 across rides and deliveries by paying just RM3.50, offering convenience while boosting visibility and sales for local businesses.

INSPIRING STORIES

For 66-year-old Sharipah Mazenah, becoming a Grab e-hailing driver after retiring as a teacher in 2017 gave her a renewed sense of purpose. She plans to continue driving as long as she is able — her journey showcases the potential of gig work to empower individuals at every stage of life.

Faizarino Abu Bakar became a full-time delivery partner after realising his earnings with Grab surpassed his salary as an inspection officer. According to Faizarino, the most significant benefit was being able to spend more time with his family due to the flexible working hours.

Grab's impact also goes beyond individuals, extending to homegrown businesses like Big Coconut and Noms Signature.

Big Coconut's journey with GrabFood started in 2019. From a single hawker stall, Big Coconut has now expanded to eight outlets, and the brand is one of GrabFood's top-performing brands.  Through strategic participation in GrabFood's marketing campaigns, the brand saw its monthly revenue climb from RM109,000 in July to RM126,000 in October.

As for Noms Signature, it has grown from a humble food truck to Kuching's top GrabFood partner, operating four outlets across two cities and earning RM150,000 monthly. The local business credits its success to embracing digital tools, active campaign participation and strategic partnerships with GrabFood. 

These are just a few of many stories of how Grab Malaysia is driving progress in Sarawak, utilising technology to make everyday life easier and create real economic impact.

Find out more about Grab Malaysia's initiatives on their website.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/11/1140869/grab-malaysia-empowers-economic-growth-sarawak