KINIGUIDE The popularity of ride-share services, such as Uber and Grabcar, was affirmed last month when Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak urged Malaysians in the bottom 40 percent income bracket sign up as drivers, after work, to earn extra bucks.

The service is often touted as a more efficient, safer service compared with taxis. However, recent complaints of sexual assaults on users of the service by drivers have raised concerns.

Taxi firms have also warned that the ride-share service puts passenger safety in jeopardy, claiming the drivers do not go through stringent background checks.

Malaysiakini takes a closer look at the processes for one to get started as a ride-share driver, and the screening processes in place.

How do I sign up as a driver?

As the first step, get a smart phone. Depending on whether it is an iOS or Android phone, enter the Apple Store or Google Playstore to download the Uber or the Grab applications.

Download done. What now?

The homegrown application, Grab, requires potential drivers to fill up an online registration form accessible either via its website or on the mobile application.

This is the primary identification section to indicate one's interest as a potential driver. 

There is also an option to state the individual's preference to sign up as a Grabcar, Grabhitch or Grabtaxi driver.

The process starts through submission of photographs of three documents - MyKad, a valid driving licence and the cover of an insurance cover note.

Drivers must also show that their vehicles were manufactured in 2008 or later, and be a mid-size or full-size sedan that comfortably seats four to eight people.

Are these conditions that easy?

Not exactly. There is a screening process for both drivers and their cars. 

Both Uber and Grab have similar requirements before drivers and their cars can be accepted as part of their respective fleets.

What do they check?

Aside from the mandatory valid driving licence, Grab requires its drivers to pass a Road Transport Department and PDRM summons check.

According to one of its online guides for drivers, they also need to have acceptable grooming ethics and be able to communicate in English and Bahasa Malaysia.

This is on top of internal background checks by the company on other past offences of the applicants. 

Similarly, Uber checks applicants for outstanding summons and if he/she has been convicted of a crime in the past 20 years. 

It also works with government-certified third party agencies to conduct checks and practises a "zero tolerance policy" for past offences. 

Are there loopholes?

Yes, in the form of Grab's latest service, Grabhitch - a social carpooling service that enables regular drivers to give fellow commuters a lift while earning additional income.

Unlike Grabcar, Grabhitch only requires drivers to access the Grab app and upload photos of a valid driving licence; a selfie while holding the licence for identification purposes; and a photograph of their car with the licence plate. 

In practice, drivers can also skip uploading a picture of their car with the licence plate.

Are there any government screenings in Malaysia?

Not for now. The government is only expected to legalise Uber and Grab services by the end of this year.

Among the safety measures expected to be introduced include a standardised "driver card" issued by the Land Public Transport Commission. 

Okay. After all that is done, can they start picking up passengers? 

Step on the brakes. Not quite yet. Both Uber and Grab have their own briefing sessions for drivers, to keep them up to speed on the standard operating procedures of the companies. 

This would include learning to use the driver’s applications and a basic course on how to deal with passengers. 

Grab drivers go through a video briefing, after which they are tested on the contents. Again, this does not apply to Grabhitch drivers. 

How do the drivers get paid?

Uber pays its drivers on a weekly basis. Aside from the fixed hourly rates, there are also "surge periods" or peak hours, when there is higher demand for drivers. 

The Uber app keeps track of the earnings of the drivers and the amount is calculated based on total hours driven per week. This is excluding additional income from rider referral fees. 

Both Uber and Grab take commissions off the drivers' earnings. Uber charges a 25 percent commission for its Uber X and Uber Black drivers and 28 percent for Uber XL drivers. Grab takes 20 percent commission.

Uber X is the company's economy range while Uber Black is its premium line. Uber XL comprises larger vehicles that can seat up to eight people.

Can drivers get banned?

Yes. Both companies have their own system for dealing with errant drivers. 

Grab’s Driver Penalty Guideline has four stages that begins with a warning, three days' suspension and five days' suspension, followed by a total ban. 

The offences range from passenger complaints to getting caught for a criminal offence, like the latest reported case of a driver who allegedly showed his private part to a passenger. 

Similarly, Uber also has a similar list of misconducts that can lead to a driver’s account being deactivated, either permanently or temporarily. 

How about the driver’s ratings? 

Drivers on both Uber and Grab would be required to maintain a minimum rating, out of five stars, as determined by their passengers. 

Passengers can view the ratings of their driver upon confirmation of pick-up. 

A driver who consistently scores a low rating would eventually be banned from driving. 

However, the exact calculations would differ between the two companies. 

Is that all?

In the interest of safety, Grab has introduced an in-app PDRM button for drivers to connect to the nearest police station in the event of an emergency.  

It also has a support hotline for passengers and drivers. 

Uber similarly has its own rapid response hotline in the event of an emergency. 

Both apps allow passengers to share details of their drivers with friends and family, who can also follow the journey's progress.

What are the risks for drivers?

While concerns have been raised over the safety of passengers, ride-share drivers also face a fair amount of risk while on the road.

Among others, there have been reports of intimidation from taxi drivers who would prevent ride-share drivers from picking up or dropping off passengers in their areas. 

Earlier this year, there were also viral messages of taxi drivers purportedly misleading ride-share drivers by requesting for rides but only to cancel at the last minute, as a way to discourage them. 

Taxi companies have argued that since the government has yet to legalise Uber or Grab, their services should not be promoted as an alternative mode of public transport.

This instalment of KiniGuide was prepared by Alyaa Alhadjri.