S’poreans Taking Grab in M’sia Will Need to Submit a Selfie From 12 July 2019 Onward

Remember our post last week about possible heavy traffic going into JB for the month of June?

Are you one of those (myself included) that still die-die want to go and went in anyway? Hey bro, I totally understand.

Also, chances are that you will use Grab to book rides to get around as it’s really convenient. And cheap.

Well, here’s some news you might want to hear.

New Grab Selfie Verification Rule In Malaysia

All Grab users in Malaysia will soon have to do a one-time selfie verification in order to use the app to meet regulatory requirements, Straits Times reported.

Grab announced on their Malaysian app and website that this new rule will be compulsory and in place by 12 of July.

This is what the website message read:

“The selfie is for identity verification, safety, and may be used to assist the authorities when required. Grab ensures that your selfie and identity is secured and will not be shared with our driver-partners and merchants.”

Grab also stated that permission would be sought for before accessing the users’ phone cameras, and may request for more than one selfie if required.

Singaporeans Have To Do It Too

Once this implementation strikes on 12 July, this rule applies for anyone using the app in Malaysia. Yes, that means you (and any other Singaporean) would have to do the selfie verification too if you travelled in for some cheap grocery shopping or good food.

You might be thinking – Huh? Why so mafan one?

It’s really not that bad. In fact, according to Singaporeans who talked to ST, they did not mind having to submit a selfie as long as it was purely for verification purposes. Some also found it harmless as it protects drivers as well as ensures a safe ride for everyone.

And here’s something you might not know.

Singaporeans who created their Grab account from February 2019 onwards did have to submit a selfie before they can use the app.

Also – this selfie rule has already paid its dividends.

It has helped solve a robber/murder case involving a Grab driver, according to the Malaysian English-language newspaper The Star.

Two suspects were arrested for the death of Mohd Hanafiee Jaafar, who was robbed and killed on the job last month. This incident had caused drivers to fear for their safety during post-midnight trips as well as avoiding dangerous areas.

So after all, this seems like a good thing.

If it helps make Grab rides safer for everyone, what’s the harm? It’s just a selfie, it should take no longer than 10 seconds to take one, given how proficient you should be after all the Instagram usage.

So just grab a selfie and you can be on the road! (Pun intended)