On the go: Fahmi greeting phailing riders at the launch of the Rahmah Phailing Package. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Over 200,000 phailing drivers and riders will benefit from the newly launched Rahmah phailing package offering Internet services from as low as RM33 with a data plan of at least 40GB, says Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister said phailing riders and drivers can subscribe to the special package from yesterday until April 23.
“Each package is unique and different according to the agreement of the telco chosen by the respective platform provider, a business-to-business arrangement.
“What’s great is that the telco packages are tailored specifically to meet the needs of phailing riders and drivers to ensure that they have the necessary connectivity to perform their duties more efficiently and effectively,” said Fahmi when launching the package at RTM Angkasapuri here yesterday.
The telco companies involved in the Rahmah phailing package are CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, TM (Unifi Mobile) and YTL Communications (Yes).
The package involves collaborations with 16 phailing platform provider companies: FoodPanda, Grab, Bungkusit, Halo Delivery, iHantar, Lalamove, MatDespatch, Parcel365, RideRunner, Shopee, Fasz Food, Lazada Logistics, Belibeli, iGoGet, GoGet and GoLog.
Fahmi said the Rahmah phailing package is part of the government’s efforts to alleviate gig workers’ burdens.
The initiative, he said, is also a testament to the government’s commitment to empowering the digital economy sector and to ensure that phailing could reach every corner of the country.
With the new package, the Lembah Pantai MP said it will improve the digital connectivity of phailing riders and allow them to access the information they need while performing tasks.
“It is also an important step in boosting the industry in the future in addition to ensuring efficiency and improving the quality of service.
“More importantly, this initiative will increase their income and open the doors to many more opportunities to empower phailing riders,” he added.
Fahmi said the gig economy had contributed 7% to the country’s gross domestic product in 2021 and is projected to increase in the coming years.
Later during a press conference, Fahmi said the government is considering extending the period of the package.
“We will open (for subscription) for a few months to assess the results.
“After a few weeks, we will review it, perhaps after Chinese New Year. If needed, we will extend it.”
Fahmi said those still bound by their current contract package or existing plans with any telcos can still subscribe to the Rahmah phailing package.
“Regarding the possible yearly renewal, that will depend on what each company decides.
“Perhaps there needs to be some flexibility on the subscription. As we know, sometimes riders change companies, so this is between the telcos and the phailing companies to discuss.
“If there is a necessity, we can extend it.
“One year is a standard period for such a (data) plan. We are hoping that after one year, more and better Rahmah packages can be introduced to riders,” he added.
Meanwhile, in an update on 5G, Fahmi said about eight million Malaysians have subscribed to the latest plan as of Dec 31 last year.
“We have between 44 million and 45 million (mobile) accounts in Malaysia. Eight million of them have already subscribed to 5G, which is very encouraging. It is possible that this figure will increase soon.”
