Foodpanda to review new system after riders protest

Sharkar Shamsudin (second from left) showing a memorandum that was handed to a Foodpanda representative (in red) at its office on Jalan Chan Sow Lin, Kuala Lumpur, today.

KUALA LUMPUR: Foodpanda has agreed to review its newly implemented system for riders following a protest today.

Sekretariat Forum GiG Ekonomi Malaysia chairman Sharkar Shamsudin said the new system, which uses Google Maps for navigation and delivery routing, has significantly expanded the delivery range for riders.

Previously, riders covered specific areas such as Kelana Jaya, but now the range has been extended to cover a larger area, including Subang Jaya.

“They promised to look into the new system that has been implemented and will give their feedback within a month,” Sharkar told reporters after meeting with Foodpanda representatives at its office here today.

He said the riders’ main complaint is about the delivery fare, which they feel is unfair under the new system.

“Now their range of delivery has expanded but the fare does not justify it,” he said.

“The riders demand that if the radius is below 5km, then the first batch should get RM7, the second batch RM6 and the third RM5.

“For orders exceeding a 5km radius, the riders demand an increase of RM1 for the first batch, 80 sen for the second and 50 sen for the subsequent batches.”

Sharkar said Foodpanda is seeking feedback from riders before making a final decision.

Earlier today, about 60 riders gathered at Foodpanda’s office at  Southgate Commercial Center on Jalan Chan Sow Lin to voice their concerns. A memorandum stating their grievances was also submitted.

The other issues highlighted were forced order cancellations and unfair penalties when orders are cancelled after delivery.