Yesterday evening, the Grab driver who reportedly punched his passenger, Henry, spoke out and released a statement on Facebook.

His statement was shared on Facebook group ‘Singapore Private Hire Car Drivers & Riders Community’.

In his statement, he explained his side of the story and said, “On the 12th of May 2018/11.30am (Sat), I received a JUSTGRAB booking that requires to pick n send a req to the location requested by the pax.”

“To my surprise there were 2 kids and a lady accompanying the guy, he opened my rear door and before he was about to bard my car, I politely told him that im unable to proceed his req as I don’t have any mifold to support his kids. I explained that he has booked a Justgrab booking and politely told him to rebook and get a Taxi or Grabfamily. He slammed shut my door and walked off. “

“After waiting for 5mins, he did not cancel the booking and I decide to make my way back to his location. I saw him waiting and asked why is he not cancelling the booking as I cant accept any further call if he does not do so.

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He shouted at me asking me why should he be cancelling? Im the one who rejected him.

I explained that, I cant cancel as my Cancellation Rate is insufficient to cancel on my end and will result my incentive for the whole week ($300+) to be forfeited if I can maintain the CR. I told him that I wont want to hold the liability of being fine $120 (3 points) or worst case scenario if an accident occurs.”

When another private-hire vehicle arrived, “The family approached the car and boarded the car immediately, I then went to the rider and furthermore requested him to cancel only to be tolded off that he will cancel afterwards.”

“He sarcastically laughed at me and that was when I cant hold back my emotions to be treated like a beggar. I admit I should not have reacted the way I reacted but I must admit I too have my weakness as a human being. After wasting my resource and time,it further escalates the reactions of mine. But whatever reasons I have,I know all the odds will be against me as people will see me as the guilty party.”

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Netizens who read his account surprisingly took the side of the driver, but cautioned that the violence he exuded was unnecessary.


obbana@theindependent.sg