We are updating this in 2021 to reflect the current environment, which has Grab as the ‘most reliable’ ride-hailing service. That is not saying a lot because, whatever your frustration limit is, Grab can help you reach it.
However, ride-sharing (basically, car rental) may be a more efficient and practical option if you need an alternative to ride-hailing in Malaysia. And although the ride-sharing market is still small with only a few players, it has relatively more service providers than in ride-hailing.
As part of this update, we moved SoCar to a new group with more similar competitors.
Ride-hailing in Malaysia isn’t at its most competitive level right now. Uber’s relationship with Southeast Asia didn’t work out very well, and the ride-hailing service had to exit the region in March.
That left its biggest competitor—and purchaser—Grab wielding a ‘monopolistic’ sledgehammer over commuters. While the service has tried to revamp its interface to look more global and even Uber-like, many people still see Grab as the more expensive, lower service platform from the Uber era (feels like so long ago, right?)
Here are the alternatives for ride-hailing in Malaysia if you want to try something different.
Riding Pink
Dedicated female drivers for female passengers. And children—both male and female.
Positives
– Some level of safety for female passengers and drivers and children
– Available in two locations, Johor Bahru and the Klang Valley
Not so great
– Rides have to be booked at least 30 minutes in advance
– Only available in the Klang Valley and Johor Bahru
MyCar
Positives
– Available in more than a few states
Not so great
– RM5 minimum fare in the Klang Valley
– Only accepts cash
MULA
Positives
– Available in two States, Kuala Lumpur and Penang
– Also has MULA Parcel
Not so great
– Only available in Kuala Lumpur and Penang
– App design can be confusing
– Only accepts cash
– The app looks like it’s still in the alpha stage
Dacsee
This is also not a ride-sharing/hailing app but it is worth mentioning. While ‘Dacsee’ might sound like a play on words and similar to ‘taxi’, it’s an acronym for Decentralised Alternative Cabs Serving & Empowering Everyone. Yep.
It operates on a multi-level market (MLM) style principle that allows drivers to earn when they introduce another driver to the mix, but only up to three levels. It also taps into blockchain technology to keep transactions transparent.
Positives
– Allows passengers to make a list of preferred customers
– Payment by cash, credit card, or cryptocurrency
Not so great
– Not available to most people yet
And here are your options for ride-sharing in Malaysia:
SoCar
Positives
– Relatively wider selection of vehicles than the competition
– Has parking arrangements with some public car parks in Kuala Lumpur
– You get to drive yourself and choose your destiny(tion)
– You can choose to have the car delivered to and collected from you(r door)
Not so great
– Does not accept your driver’s license if it’s not Malaysian/international/less than 2 years old
– App may be a pain to use for the tech-illiterate
– Drop-off/Pick-up areas are still limited for some unexplainable reason
GoCar
Positives
– Slightly cheaper starting prices at RM5.90 for the Nissan Almera
– You also get to drive yourself, of course
Not so great
– App may be a pain to use for the tech-illiterate
– No option to have the vehicle delivered to you
– Limited selection of cars (Renault Captur and a few Nissan models)
If you’re looking for something a little bit different, you may want to check vehicle subscription options in Malaysia. This post offers a brief introduction to what it is and highlights the car subscription options for expats in Malaysia.
If ride-hailing/ride-sharing is not your thing and you want to buy a vehicle that is yours, check our top six sites to shop for a new/used vehicle in Malaysia or visit Carsome.my to get pre-inspected, certified vehicles.
Disclosure: We only recommend products that we would use ourselves and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, we may get a commission if you make a purchase using the retail link. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Other Expats.
