25-Year-Old Malaysian Grab Driver Makes RM9,000 Monthly With Honda Civic Working 14 Hours Daily

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A 25-year-old Malaysian has ignited a fierce online debate after claiming he earns between RM6,000 and RM9,000 monthly driving his Honda Civic for ride-hailing platforms – but only by working a gruelling 14 hours every single day.

The young driver stated that he earned RM7,964.11 in July after deducting platform commissions.

He said the job basically requires more time investment, but it’s relatively free – you don’t have to listen to bosses like office workers do.

As an added bonus, he enjoys chatting with passengers during his long shifts.

Mixed Reactions: Questions About Working Hours

However, his post prompted discussions about the sustainability of such working hours.

“You need to work 14 hours to earn RM6,000 to RM9,000, and you have to do it every day. Others work 8 hours a day for 5 days and earn between RM6,000 and RM9,000. Young people can handle it, but older folks? Their backs would give out,” one commenter fired back.

Another commenter questioned: “14 hours daily – have you considered the long-term impact? How sustainable is this schedule?”

Others highlighted that after 10 years of driving, the primary financial asset would be selling the car, compared to traditional jobs that build Employee Provident Fund (EPF) contributions.

“Regular companies contribute 12% to your EPF – that’s about RM720 monthly for a RM6,000 salary going toward your retirement fund. But as a driver, you get nothing except whatever you can get from selling your car,” one commenter explained.

Age also became a topic of discussion, with several commenters sharing concerns about starting ride-hailing careers too young.

The Premium Vehicle Debate: Does Car Model Matter?

He also dismissed concerns about vehicle maintenance costs, claiming his car has hit 300,000 kilometres with only routine servicing needed.

The Honda Civic angle became a point of contention, with critics arguing his earnings were only possible because he drives a premium vehicle that qualifies for higher-paying rides.

“You drive a Civic and do Premium rides, plus work 14 hours, and still only get RM6,000-9,000. Imagine those driving Bezza working normal 10-hour shifts – they’d be much worse off,” one user pointed out.

Some drivers rallied to his defence, with one claiming that even Axia drivers can earn RM7,000-8,000 monthly, and another showing similar earnings of RM7,000-8,000 for “normal” 7-8 hour shifts.

The New Generation: Why Young Malaysians Choose Wheels Over Desks

The heated exchange highlighted a growing trend among young Malaysians choosing gig work over traditional employment.

However, the young driver stood his ground, emphasising personal freedom over financial security.

As one supporter noted: “More and more people don’t want full-time jobs. Sitting in an office for 9 hours makes everyone tired, so people prefer driving – at least the time is flexible.”

The discussion continues online, reflecting broader questions about work-life balance, financial security, and the true cost of the gig economy’s promise of freedom.

For now, the determined 25-year-old stays focused on his goals, his Honda Civic faithfully drawing closer to the 400,000-kilometre mark.

READ MORE: GrabCar Mandarin Driven By 1.4 Million China Tourists, But Feature On Pause For Now

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