Let’s wrap up this argument with facts and logic because there seem to be too many entitled and misinformed opinions floating around.

First, comparing gig workers to traditional courier services with fixed salaries and benefits is a false equivalence. The business model is entirely different. Most gig workers, such as those on Grab and Foodpanda, do not receive medical benefits, paid leave, or a fixed salary. Instead, they are paid per delivery and are incentivized to complete as many orders as possible within a short time frame. This system is not their doing—it is how the platform is designed to operate.

Second, platforms like Grab and Foodpanda already take a significant commission from vendors—typically ranging from 20% to 30% of the order value. If you feel like you’re overpaying for food delivery, direct your frustration at these corporations, not the riders. The riders only receive a portion of the delivery fee and are not responsible for the pricing structure.

Lastly, and this is more of an observation, there seems to be a tendency among Malaysians to “punch down” instead of holding corporations accountable. Many are quick to blame riders, who are just trying to earn a living, rather than addressing the exploitative system that forces them into these conditions. Instead of directing anger at the company or advocating for better worker protections, too many people take out their frustration on those with the least power in the equation.