As a homegrown brand, Grab Malaysia continues to play a key role in Sarawak, leveraging technology to drive sustainable growth and economic empowerment. Since its launch in the Land of the Hornbills in 2014, Grab has provided local driver- and delivery-partners, businesses and entrepreneurs with a platform to earn an income through technology-driven solutions. To date, Grab has enabled earning opportunities for over 40,000 local driver-partners in Sarawak, including more than 60 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and over 700 women.
In 2023 alone, these partners collectively earned over RM100 million on the platform, underscoring Grab’s significant impact on the state’s economy.
At Grab Malaysia’s recent Sembang TechTarik event held in Sarawak, Adelene Foo, Managing Director, Grab Malaysia, shared, “We are committed to empowering local businesses and partners with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s digital economy. By equipping MSMEs with innovative solutions, we’ve witnessed significant growth, such as a 16% year-on-year increase in Sarawak, where over half of these businesses maintain 5-star ratings as rated from millions of food lovers. As Sarawak gears up to welcome five million tourist arrivals in 2025¹, we are thrilled to support the state’ tourism ambitions with technology-driven solutions that enhance convenience and safety, while driving economic growth and enriching the local communities.”
Sembang TechTarik event held in Sarawak
Simplifying Travel and Supporting Sarawak’s Thriving Tourism Industry
Grab’s platform serves 1 in 20 people across Southeast Asia, highlighting its extensive reach and role in connecting communities. Grab hopes to play an important role in Sarawak’s tourism ecosystem, connecting travellers with local attractions and enriching their journeys. With 65% of foreign tourists in Malaysia using the Grab app², the platform plays a key role in discovering authentic local experiences.
Grab recently introduced the Grab Tourist Pack – a simple way for international tourists to enjoy instant savings on rides and meals while exploring Southeast Asia. Available in seven countries, including Malaysia, the Tourist Pack can be purchased by foreign travellers upon arrival, to enable them to discover more of the region, for less. In Malaysia, the travellers can enjoy savings up to MYR 65 across rides, and food and mart deliveries by paying just MYR 3.50. Beyond convenience, these initiatives also boost visibility and sales for local businesses.
In Sarawak, Grab is aligning with the state’s Responsible Tourism Vision in supporting sustainable growth and community well-being. By simplifying travel and enhancing visitor experiences, Grab helps generate economic benefits for local communities and supports sustainable tourism development.
Real Stories of Growth and Empowerment
Sharipah Mazenah: Retired Teacher Turned to E-Hailing for flexibility
Sharipah Mazenah began working as an e-hailing driver in 2017 at the age of 59. A retired teacher, she found a renewed sense of purpose as a Grab e-hailing driver. She values the flexibility that allows her to support her family while staying active. With safety features like an emergency button for police assistance and benefits like car maintenance discounts, gadget financing, and support through SOCSO contributions, Grab ensures safety and security for its partners. Sharipah plans to continue driving as long as she is able, prioritising her fitness and saving from her earnings. Sharipah’s journey showcases the potential of gig work to empower individuals at every stage of life.
Faizarino Bin Abu Bakar: From Inspection Officer to Full-Time Delivery Partner
After 18 years as an inspection officer, Faizarino Bin Abu Bakar sought additional income and started part-time on the Grab platform in 2020. What began as a three-month trial soon turned into a life-changing decision. Realizing his earnings with Grab surpassed those of his 9-to-5 job, Faizarino quit his permanent position to become a full-time delivery partner, embracing the flexibility and earning opportunities of being a full-time delivery partner. The most significant benefit for Faizarino is the ability to spend more time with his family due to flexible working hours. His journey highlights the opportunities and support the gig economy offers.
Big Coconut: From Hawker Stall to Thriving Brand
Starting as a single hawker stall in Kuching, Big Coconut’s journey with GrabFood since 2019 has been remarkable. Today, they operate eight outlets, including a central kitchen and warehouse, and are recognized as one of GrabFood’s top-performing brands. Through strategic participation in GrabFood’s marketing campaigns, they’ve seen their monthly revenue climb from RM109,000 in July to RM126,000 in October 2024. Big Coconut’s success story underscores the power of embracing technology and innovative marketing strategies that are able to drive small businesses to new heights.
Noms Signature: Scaling from Food Truck to Multi-City Success
Noms began as a humble food truck but has grown into Kuching’s top GrabFood partner, earning RM150,000 monthly. Now operating four outlets across two cities in Sarawak, Noms credits their success to embracing digital tools, active campaign participation, and strategic partnerships with GrabFood. Their latest venture, Peanuts Anchovies Nasi Lemak, adds another chapter to their story of innovation and resilience.
Through stories like these and our continued collaboration with local communities, Grab Malaysia is excited to help drive progress in Sarawak. By using technology to make everyday life easier, the platform is also helping to create real economic impact—supporting Sarawak’s growth as a centre for innovation, tourism and opportunity.
¹ Sarawak strives to achieve 5 million visitors in 2025
² Grab internal data from January 2023 to March 2024
