KUALA LUMPUR – A new report by local economic consultancy Econworks has found that Grab’s on-demand services, including ride-hailing and delivery, contributed RM9.9 billion to the Malaysian economy in 2023, amounting to approximately 0.5% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Econworks managing director Wan Khatina Nawawi said tech platform companies provide access to flexible earning opportunities and support the digital growth of small businesseses. Wan Khatina said in its twelve years of operations in Malaysia, Grab has significantly contributed to the economic benefits for various communities across Malaysia.
For every RM1 generated by Grab transactions, an additional RM1.50 of economic activity is created across the broader economy Wan Khatina said in a statement.
"This underscores the positive impact of the Grab ecosystem on millions of Malaysians in their daily lives."
The report outlines the broader economic impact of Grab’s operations, particularly on gig workers and businesses reliant on the platform.
It found that Grab’s economic contribution in 2023 was valued at RM9.9 billion, which is equivalent to 0.5% of Malaysia’s GDP. For every RM1 in value added directly generated by Grab and its partners, an additional RM1.50 was created in the wider economy through multiplier effects.
The study also revealed that 88% of this contribution came from Grab’s driver- and merchant-partners operating across its various services.
Driver-partners alone contributed RM4.6 billion in value added, representing 0.25% of Malaysia’s GDP. Grab’s ecosystem supported up to 277,237 earning opportunities, benefiting driver-partners, merchant-partners, and workers within related supply chains.
This means that one in every 64 individuals in Malaysia’s labour force was directly or indirectly impacted by Grab-related activities.
The report also said that earning opportunities facilitated by Grab contributed an additional RM3.7 billion to household incomes, increasing disposable income for driver- and merchant-partners.
"The report highlights the advantages of Malaysia’s supportive business environment, which is now focused on the digital economy, enabling platform companies like Grab to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the economy," Wan Khatina said.
"By quantifying these contributions, this study provides a comprehensive view of how Grab and its stakeholders interact with the broader Malaysian economy, facilitating economic growth." – February 20, 2025
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