Grab suspends commissions in Myanmar, rolls out perk for bikers

SINGAPORE-BASED tech firm Grab suspended collecting commissions from its drivers and restaurant partners in Myanmar on Tuesday, and will hold off on doing so until the end of this month, it said in a post on its Myanmar Facebook page.

This means 100 per cent of the amount that users of Grab ride or food-delivery services pay will go to the company's drivers and restaurant partners.

Grab will also top up an additional 50 per cent in earnings per completed delivery for GrabFood bikers in the country.

The company said in its post: "The last two weeks have been a difficult time for all of us. Disruptions in internet connectivity, public transportation, and uncertainty over the on-ground situation have made it hard for you to complete essential tasks.

"It has also put the livelihoods of the communities we serve at risk. Many of our driver and delivery-partners could not earn an income."

Grab said that it remains committed to "supporting Myanmar in creating income opportunities for our partners, and ensuring our platform provides safe, convenient and reliable services".

When contacted, Grab said that it is unable to share further details.

The firm brought its ride-hailing service to Yangon in 2017, and subsequently expanded to other parts of the country. It launched GrabFood there in 2019, and later brought its GrabMart service to the market.