SHAH ALAM: The taxi-oriented ride-hailing app, PICKnGO Sdn Bhd, has announced that its users are now able to book a ride as a delivery service.
The service looks to help business owners and customers pick up their groceries and/or essential items from designated locations.
The company's new service ultimately looks to provide taxi drivers with an additional avenue of income through deliveries.
A customer only needs to book a ride through the application and leave a relevant remark in the message section of the app.
According to the company, the reason for their diversification is that taxi drivers have a tough time to make ends meet.
And with the Movement Control Order having been extended to April 28 from March 18, their earning have dropped significantly with the lack of customers.
The finance ministry stated that taxi and e-hailing drivers are eligible for financial assistance under the new economic stimulus package of a one-off payment for taxi drivers (RM600) and e-hailing drivers (RM500).
Executive director Valerie Chan said that this financial aid is a short-term relief for taxi drivers and may not be able to sustain themselves on their own although they are allowed to work.
“We are also concerned over the widespread transmission of COVID-19 and have advised all our drivers take additional precautions by wearing a facemask while on duty and have hand
sanitizers in their vehicle. We also urge passengers to wear a mask while riding in the taxi," said Chan.
We are also practising contactless and cashless payment system though the app to reduce any physical contact.
Taxis are listed under essential services, hence they are allowed to move around conveniently to offer their service, she added.
“This would enable a natural progression for taxi companies to keep up with the advancements and the changing business landscape in the current e-hailing landscape which has become further challenging due to the given pandemic,” she added.
Chan also reminded taxi drivers not to give up during this tough period and is hopeful that the public could support and provide an opportunity to taxi drivers by utilising their delivery services.
The company said that it has plans to collaborate with other industry players as well to provide food deliveries and courier services to help taxi drivers sustain in the nearest future.
