Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong said that the government hasn’t set a maximum age limit for e-hailing drivers, responding to Grab’s move to eject a 75-year-old driver from its platform.
According to The Star, the minister noted that anyone may continue to hold or renew their Vocational Licence, which allows them to work as an e-hailing driver, as long as they comply with the necessary requirements – like submitting a medical report confirming that they’re healthy and able to drive safely.
Grab removed 75-year-old driver Rasamany Vettivelu (pictured above), who recently found fame as “Grab Aunty”, from its e-hailing service due to its internal age restrictions. Rasamany said she was disappointed over her removal as she was physically fit.
Wee called for some flexibility. “Taking into consideration the issue of hardship faced by the public as a result of this Covid-19 pandemic, I hope e-hailing service operators across the country including Grab can from time to time review the internal conditions they set for e-hailing drivers, including the maximum age limit,” he said.
The Star said that Rasamany turned to Grab driving four years ago after falling victim to a gold investment scam in 2014. She previously worked for the LHDN tax authority for nearly four decades, and appealed to Grab to use its discretion in her case as she did for many years for those who had payment issues.
