Recently, certain e-hailing services in the country started receiving backlash from locals for their outrageous prices. Many locals are stressed at how high the prices get especially during peak hours. Frequent users of the apps are also sharing that many of them allocate up to RM1,000 monthly just for using e-hailing services.
All these comments on e-hailing services have sparked a new debate, is using e-hailing services a luxury or a necessity? Here's what Malaysians think:
# Raina says Luxury
"Regardless of whether I earn RM1.5k or RM5k, I know for myself travelling by e-hailing services is usually a luxury. You should spend more on choosing a strategically located home that is close to your workplace or any public transportation hub rather than spending an outrageous amount of money daily on transportation."
# Moody says Luxury
"I've stopped using e-hailing services as the price is ridiculous. Rather drive myself."
# Blingless says Necessity
"That's going to be different based on each person's lifestyle. I stopped driving voluntarily 15 years ago due to an injury and have looked at transportation as an expense ever since. It's a necessity for me and I've compared it to car ownership over the years and wouldn't change a thing.
Aside from the cost of buying, financing, or leasing a depreciating asset, there's the cost of maintenance, insurance, petrol, parking fees, parking tickets, and unforeseen accidents. And my monthly e-hailing services expenses are significantly lower."
# Ting says Luxury
"E-hailing services have been catering towards to those who are rich or you could say those who could afford 1k effortlessly. It is a costly tool for normal citizens and a convenient tool for those who are well off."
# Cringelord says Luxury
"I only use e-hailing services for official trips because I can claim from my company. Other than that, I'd rather take a bus."
# SleepyLord says Necessity
"I rarely use e-hailing services but when I do it is most of the time because public transport isn't available or preferred."
# Babe25 says Luxury
"Using e-hailing services daily, just to go to work and back is quite a luxury! There are buses and you can also carpool with a co-worker, just agree on an amount to pay them monthly la, sure will be cheaper than e-hailing, plus it is also good for the environment."
# Potato says Luxury
"If you choose an e-hailing app that charges you an outrageous price then it is a luxury. There are many other e-hailing services out there, so always compare the price first before just booking from a certain app because it is more popular."
# Wong says Necessity
"I think it is a necessity for some. I work from home and barely leave the house so there's no point in me buying a car and making monthly payments. If I need to go out once in a while for groceries, may as well make use of e-hailing services."
# Missterious says Necessity
"It is a necessity to put the taxi drivers in their rightful place! Many of them are expert con-men who deserve to be taught a lesson!"
# Petra says Necessity
"Of course, it is a necessity when LRTs are constantly breaking down when there are no proper walkways for pedestrians or bike lanes for those riding bicycles to work. Also, there are no busses near my house to the LRT station which is like 5000 meters away so how else am I going to get there besides e-hailing services?"
# Zo says Luxury
"When I was younger I used to walk for miles with my grandfather to go to the town area in my kampung. So walking to work is nothing to me. When I hear my co-workers talk about using e-hailing services, I am shocked at how much they are willing to pay just so that they don't have to walk when in reality walking is good for your body. It is definitely a luxury."
So, after hearing all these people's opinions, what do you think? Are e-hailing services a luxury or a necessity to you? Share your answer and explanation in the comments section, we'd love to hear your opinion!
