Moving forward as a developing nation

With Malaysia Day approaching, e-hailing and digital payment services company Grab introduces three of their inspiring driver/rider partners to the New Sarawak Tribune. With stories to tell about their everyday lives and how they would like to champion their perspectives on the visions for our country, these three share about women’s empowerment, inclusivity, and digital evolution, respectively.

Women empowerment in the future of Malaysia
While disparity between the gap of the women-to-men ratio still exists, Nurasma Omar believed that in the future, women can be equal to men in Malaysia when it comes to working in the workforce.
 
“I believe that in the future, it will be better. There will be an increase of women in the workforce when compared with men. Furthermore, I can see that women of the younger generations are more aggressive in pursuing their goals and achievements.”
 
Started working as a rider in 2022, Nurasma recalled feeling excited to receive jobs. Her daily routine would see her delivering orders from 10 am after she has settled her children and the house, up until 8 pm. Working in a male-dominated sector of Grab, Nurasma’s day-to-day task involves picking up orders and delivering them on her motorcycle.

Nurasma Omar on her bike during Grab’s recent participation in the National Day parade.

Although working in the hectic environment of riding among the heavy traffic in Kuala Lumpur, Nurasma finds herself able to adapt at ease. Despite being in a male-dominated industry, Nurasma revealed she never got discriminated against for her gender.
 
“However, my male counterparts have supported and encouraged me, as well as showed their care whenever they see me by asking, ‘Are you okay?’. The job as a rider can be tiring, especially when we’re waiting for our orders and then having to navigate through the heavy traffic in the city,” she added.
 
Noting the encouragement received, Nurasma does feel that there is an increasing number of women riders in the food delivery service. “Many of them have children and are single mothers,” she said.
 
As she achieves the goal of building her income through her job as a rider, she encourages more females to step up and pursue their dreams. She further said that women should also have an open heart to receive any challenges thrown because only then opportunities would come.
 
Asked what role men can play in supporting gender equality and empowerment for women, Nurasma said that men can continuously give moral support and encouragement for women who want to pursue their dreams regardless of the field they are going for.
 
“I remember in the beginning, my husband would be hesitant of me working as a Grab rider. But now he encourages me instead. Women get discouraged fast, that’s why the support pillar is important. Not just from their husband, but also their family,” said Nurasma.

Niyaz and Azahar participated in the parade as PWD drivers from Grab.

Championing inclusivity in Malaysia
Although a Person with Disabilities (PWDs), Mohamad Azahar Bakia believes that physical limitations are not the barrier to success. Rather, championing inclusivity meant that everyone is given equal opportunities, regardless of physical ability.
 
“It’s an important element to have in the workplace, as everyone deserves to be seen as equal and valued. On a personal level, it builds self-confidence and provides room for growth. As Grab’s driver-partner, I am proud to show that PWDs are also capable of working and delivering excellent service,” said Azahar.
 
He hopes that through his effort, he could raise awareness about the abilities of PWDs and help break the stigma often associated with physical disabilities.
 
“Inclusivity doesn’t just benefit PWDs, but society as a whole. When everyone is given the same opportunities, we can create a stronger and more united community. Additionally, societal perceptions of PWDs still need to change, as PWDs are often seen as incapable or constantly needing assistance, despite many of us being independent.”

Evolution of digital platforms for gig workers
When he was 20 years old two decades ago, Niyaz Naathan Vellasamy had never expected that he would be able to drive today. Being a PWD in today’s era has motivated him further to achieve his goals in life, as he believes that disability is not an inability.
 
One of the longest drivers for Grab, Niyaz, shared that when he first started in the industry, there wasn’t much to rely on. Now, with the establishment of Persatuan Pemandu E-hailing OKU Fizikal Malaysia, the association also helps on a grassroots level those PWD that wish to be independent.
 
“Previously, gig work was not a popular option in 2018. Hence, we weren’t protected much by policymakers and government policies. Nevertheless, the pandemic has seen the rise of the digital evolution, and the government’s incentives and benefits were extended to us gig workers.”

Niyaz is also grateful that Malaysians are generally friendly people, and there has not been any discrimination against PWDs as e-hailing drivers. With the enormous love for his country, Niyaz celebrates Malaysia Day by appreciating the country for being who she is today.
 
“Opportunities are in front of us, you are the one who will decide to grab them or not. The Grab platform has already prepared everything for us, we only need to grab the opportunity of a PWD to work hard for ourselves,” he advised.
 
With these three — women empowerment, inclusivity, and digital evolution — Malaysia, moving forward as a developing nation, has grown from its past to a mature country that is able to stand on its own independently. This Malaysia Day, we give thanks for who we are and what we are, thanks to the country that made us. Happy Malaysia Day!