KUALA LUMPUR: Grab’s on-demand services, spanning ride-hailing and delivery, made a substantial impact on Malaysia’s economy in 2023, contributing RM9.9 billion, according to a report by local economic consultancy EconWorks. This figure accounts for approximately 0.5% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), underscoring the platform’s growing economic influence.
The report highlights Grab’s extensive operational reach, demonstrating not only its direct economic footprint but also its downstream effects on gig workers and businesses leveraging the platform. It estimates that Grab’s ecosystem facilitated up to 277,237 earning opportunities, encompassing driver-partners, merchant-partners, and supply chain workers. As a result, one in every 64 individuals in Malaysia’s workforce directly or indirectly benefits from Grab-related economic activities.
Beyond job creation, the report notes that Grab-enabled earning opportunities have collectively added RM3.7 billion to household incomes. This influx of earnings among driver-partners and merchant-partners translates into greater financial security for Malaysian families and businesses.
EconWorks Managing Director Dr. Wan Khatina Nawawi emphasized the role of tech platform companies in driving economic growth and digital transformation. “Over its twelve years of operations in Malaysia, Grab has significantly contributed to the economic well-being of various communities across the country,” she stated.
“For every RM1 generated by Grab transactions, an additional RM1.50 of economic activity is created across the broader economy. This highlights the far-reaching impact of Grab’s ecosystem on millions of Malaysians in their daily lives.”
Dr. Wan Khatina further noted that Malaysia’s supportive business environment, particularly its focus on the digital economy, has enabled platform companies like Grab to thrive and contribute meaningfully to economic development.
By quantifying these contributions, the study provides a comprehensive perspective on Grab’s role within the broader Malaysian economy, reinforcing its significance in facilitating economic growth and digital inclusion.
