Key Concepts:
- Platform workers
- Trilateral group (Manpower Ministry, Transport Ministry, Labor Movement, Grab)
- Illegal deliveries by foreigners
- Misuse of accounts
- Work permits
- Outsourcing
- Competition
- Platform security
- Account renting
- Foreign licensed vehicles
- Student permit (ST permit)
Formation of Trilateral Group and Objectives
A trilateral group has been established, consisting of the Manpower Ministry, Transport Ministry, the labor movement, and the delivery company Grab, to tackle the issue of foreigners illegally performing delivery services. This initiative is a direct response to feedback received by NTU (Nanyang Technological University) indicating that some delivery jobs are being unlawfully taken by foreigners who are misusing accounts. Furthermore, there are reports of foreigners engaging in delivery work without the necessary work permits.
Concerns and Challenges Faced by Platform Workers
The situation is concerning because it exacerbates the existing challenges faced by platform workers, including:
- Long working hours
- Uncertainty of earnings
- Increased competition, including illegal hitch services on platforms like Telegram.
The labor movement emphasizes the need for urgent action to address these issues.
Grab's Response and Preventative Measures
Grab states that it already has measures in place to prevent foreigners from registering as platform workers. The company commits to collaborating with the trilateral group to develop best practices aimed at protecting platform workers.
Food Panda's Security Measures
Food Panda asserts that it has robust controls to prevent the use of foreign-licensed vehicles on its platform. The company is continuously enhancing its platform security features to mitigate the risk of illegal riders accessing the platform. Food Panda also pledges to take swift action against any attempts to circumvent its security measures.
Account Renting and Misuse
A delivery rider highlights a specific method of misuse: the renting out of accounts. This involves a physical meeting between the account holder and the renter to bypass security features. The rider notes that this practice is prevalent among Malaysian riders, including those who are in Singapore on work permits seeking to supplement their income, and international students (ST permit holders) looking for extra income. The rider personally engages with these individuals, confirming their status as student permit holders seeking additional income.
Synthesis/Conclusion
The formation of the trilateral group signifies a concerted effort to address the issue of illegal deliveries by foreigners and protect the interests of legitimate platform workers. While companies like Grab and Food Panda claim to have security measures in place, the practice of account renting persists, highlighting the need for more robust and effective solutions. The involvement of individuals on student permits further complicates the issue, requiring a multi-faceted approach involving stricter enforcement and improved platform security.
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