Grab Malaysia commercial and deliveries director JJ Tan at the company’s recent ‘Sembang TechTarik’ event held in Johor.
AS a homegrown brand, Grab Malaysia continues to play a key role in Johor, leveraging technology to drive economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
Since its launch in Johor in 2013, Grab has provided nearly 100,000 local drivers and delivery partners with a platform to earn income through technology-driven solutions, including over 400 persons with disabilities (PWDs) and more than 3,000 women.
In 2023 alone, Grab’s partners in Johor collectively earned over RM500mil on the platform.
“Aligned with Johor’s 'Rakyat' initiative, which aims to position the state as Malaysia’s next economic powerhouse, Grab is leveraging technology to help merchants thrive and drive economic activity that benefits the entire community,” said Grab Malaysia commercial and deliveries director JJ Tan at the company’s recent “Sembang TechTarik” event held in the state.
“By providing MSMEs with innovative digital solutions, we’ve seen a 4% y-o-y growth in Johor, with over half of these businesses maintaining five-star ratings from millions of food lovers.
“Through our platform, we help boost visibility, support tourism and drive economic growth – all while contributing to Johor's vibrant economy and efforts to highlight its rich heritage and diverse opportunities to residents and visitors alike.”
Supporting Johor’s tourism industry
Grab’s platform serves one in 20 people across South-East Asia, highlighting its extensive reach and role in connecting communities.
With 65% of foreign tourists in Malaysia using the Grab app, the platform plays a key role in discovering authentic local experiences.
The company recently introduced the Grab Tourist Pack – a simple way for international tourists to enjoy instant savings on rides and meals while exploring South-East Asia.
Available in seven countries, including Malaysia, the Tourist Pack can be purchased by foreign travellers upon arrival, to enable them to discover more of the region, for less.
In Malaysia, travellers can enjoy savings up to RM65 across rides, as well as food and mart deliveries, by paying just RM3.50.
Beyond convenience, these initiatives also create opportunities for local businesses by boosting visibility, sales and support.
Tan (fifth from left) with Grab Malaysia partners. In 2023 alone, the company’s partners in Johor collectively earned over RM500mil on the platform.
Real stories of growth and empowerment
> Nurfarra Aiza’s journey with Grab: From part-time driver to PhD pursuer
Nurfarra Aiza joined Grab in 2020, balancing her studies with part-time work. Holding a master's degree, she started driving with a rental car while managing weekly rental costs. After a year, she bought her own car, which gave her greater flexibility and independence. Her journey with Grab didn't stop there as she now works part-time on the platform while pursuing her PhD. Her ability to balance education and work is a testament to her determination.
A unique twist to her story is that she was introduced to Grab by her father, Ahmad Farish, who joined in 2017. Her brother, Ikhmal Nurhakim Ahmad Farish, also joined in 2020, starting as a delivery partner and transitioning to a GrabCar driver in 2023.
> Ahmad Farish’s journey with Grab: From manufacturing to meaningful journeys
Ahmad Farish Abdul Halib has been a dedicated Grab driver-partner since 2017. Leaving his manufacturing job for new challenges, Ahmad Farish sought an exciting and dynamic experience with Grab. For him, the transition was about more than income – it was about encountering diverse environments and systems.
This decision significantly improved his quality of life, offering him the flexibility to enjoy life and dedicate time to his religious activities. He also values Grab's safety features, especially the tracking system, which gives him peace of mind on his daughter's safety. With Grab, Ahmad manages his expenses effectively based on his driving pattern. He dedicates each week of the month to different needs: the first week for his car instalment, the second for utilities, the third for household expenses and the fourth for savings. This disciplined approach allows him to save consistently.
> Nasi Ayam Resipi Abah Original Ipoh: A culinary journey towards success
Nasi Ayam Resepi Abah Original Ipoh has become a beloved spot for delicious Malay-style chicken rice. Known for its signature dish, this eatery boasts a high 4.8-star rating. With a dedication to quality and customer engagement, this eatery thrives on feedback and actively participates in marketing campaigns that have significantly boosted its growth. This led to more than an 80% increase in their monthly sales from Nov 2023 to Jan 2024.
> Restoran Hua Mui: A journey of tradition and innovation
Founded in 1943, Restoran Hua Mui has been serving beloved local Hainanese dishes for generations. In 2020, they joined the GrabFood platform during the movement control order (MCO), which helped them explore online food delivery. In July, Restoran Hua Mui joined the platform as one of Grab’s Signatures after a short hiatus, recognising GrabFood as a good platform for their growth. Since rejoining, their Eco Botanic outlet in Iskandar Puteri, Johor saw sales growth of up to 107%. Now, with seven outlets across Johor Baru, Restoran Hua Mui continues to thrive with the help of GrabFood.
Through stories like these and continued collaboration with local communities, Grab Malaysia aims to continue driving progress in Johor by using technology to make everyday life easier – supporting the state’s growth as a centre for innovation, tourism and opportunity.
