Uber's business model misunderstood, says its GM

PETALING JAYA: We are not a transportation company but merely a technology company that works with all types of transportation providers.
"Uber is very often misunderstood, especially our business model. It's the taxi drivers, their associations and operators who do not understand how we operate our business,” Uber (Malaysia) general manager, Leon Foong, told theSun today.
He said this in response to a recent memorandum submitted by the Metered Taxi Drivers Action Body (BBPTB) that urged parliamentarians to gazette laws to outlaw Uber’s services in the country,
“We basically utilise our technology to empower our drivers to grow and expand their fleet while matching passengers with their ideal transportation providers,” he said.
Foong added that Uber aims to increase its number of driver partners to 10,000 to 15,000 in the upcoming six to 12 months.
In this respect he urged transportation providers, be it limousine companies, taxi companies or car rental firms, to join them.
He added that Uber hopes to work with the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) and relevant local government agencies on smart regulations.
Foong told theSun the two main factors that need to be considered when drafting regulations are public safety and interest besides economic empowerment.
He said this was to ensure safer and more reliable transportation options, where commuters can ride with ease and at the same time get their preferred transportation option whenever and wherever they want within a certain period of waiting time.
He said Uber provides a contingency liability policy to protect its drivers, passengers and third party when an accident occurs.
In short, he added, it means that parties involved can claim from Uber instead of from their own personal insurance.
Meanwhile, a loyalty programme, Momentum, specifically for its driver partners was launched today.
It aims to help its partner drivers to lower their operating costs, giving them access to lifestyle rewards, up-skilling the industry with academic opportunities and creating a supportive community amongst their drivers.
“Momentum is a global programme that has proven widely successful in the US and UK by generating significant rewards and savings for driver partners and we are introducing it in Malaysia to encourage more Malaysians to take charge of their lives and careers," Foong said, adding the programme will be available next month.