Just days after an Uber driver was accused of sexual harassment, a woman claimed that a Grab driver had raped her in his car.
The 29-year-old victim, who hired a Grab car after an outing in Petaling Jaya, was allegedly raped near her home in Putra Permai, Seri Kembangan at around 4am on Sunday (11th June).
According to Serdang OCPD Asst Comm Megat Mohamad Aminudin Megat Alias, the victim said that she was sexually assaulted by the Grab driver and could not fight him off because she was drunk. He also added that the driver drove her home after the ordeal.
Besides that, the 30-year-old suspect was picked up in Sungai Buloh by a team from the Serious Crimes Division of the Serdang Police headquarters at around 10pm on Sunday. “The police have seized the suspect’s Perodua Myvi and his clothes,” Megat Mohamad Aminuddin Megat Alias added.
The case is being investigated under Section 376 of the Penal Code for rape.
Meanwhile, Grab Malaysia stated that they are deeply sorry by the “distressing” news. Country head Sean Goh explained that the company’s priority is to assist and provide support to the passenger and her family, as well as to fully co-operate with the police and relevant authorities.
In a Facebook statement, Goh said, “We have a zero tolerance policy to any crime and serious misconduct by drivers, and have immediately removed the driver from our platform, pending completion of police investigations.”
He continued, “The safety of both our passengers and drivers is, and always will be, a priority for Grab. I am truly sorry that we have let down our users and community in this instance, and humbly ask our passengers and drivers to please allow us to keep improving the safety and reliability of our service.”
Furthermore, Goh added that a rigorous face-to-face driver screening and criminal background checks are in place. “We are committed to keep investing in driver screenings and training, and other safety initiatives,” he shared.
The ride-hailing company will also be extending a PDRM “panic button” feature for its passengers.
Sources: The Star, AsiaOne, Free Malaysia Today.
