KUALA LUMPUR: By paying a security deposit of RM1,000, city folks can now sign up to become a Uber driver and drive away with a brand new Proton Persona or Proton Saga.
Quick Ride Sdn Bhd, which was conceptualised by Cartrade Group and Koperasi Amanah Berhad (KAPB), is offering a three-year leasing programme for Proton cars to provide job opportunities for unemployed citizens and those who wish to earn extra income in the Klang Valley.
The programme, which will provide up to 10,000 job opportunities within two years, was realised with the collaboration between KAPB, Uber Malaysia and Proton Holdings Berhad.
KAPB executive chairman Datuk Ilyas Mohamed said that there were currently 1,000 units of the Proton cars offered for lease to potential applicants.
"The number of cars will be gradually increased to 10,000 units over the next two years.
"Successful applicants will be able to lease either a brand new Proton Saga 1.3L Standard CVT at RM45 per day, or the Proton Persona 1.6L Standard CVT at RM55 per day.
"The cost of vehicle maintenance (except for tyres and fuel), road tax and insurance will be supported by Quick Ride," he said.
Cartrade Group director of finance Mohamed Fahmi Ilyas said successful applicants will receive their cars and be able to start working within seven days.
Fahmi added, applicants who may wish to terminate the lease contract before the three-year period ends will be given the choice to convert to a seven-year hire purchase contract or pay a penalty.
"If let say after six months they decide to quit, they will be given a penalty of six weeks to two months to return the car.
"However, if they wish to own the car they can apply to convert the contract from a lease to higher purchase.
"The success of the application will depend on the drivers' financial records," he said.
Fahmi added that Quick Ride will continue to bear the cars maintenance cost (except for tyres and fuel), road tax and insurance under the seven-year hire purchase contract.
He also said that nearly 400 people have applied for the programme since it was introduced late August with over 60 per cent of the applicants aged 26 years and below.
To be eligible, applicants must be a Malaysian citizen, aged 21 years old and above, hold a valid driver's license, does not have a criminal record for registrable offences, is not an undischarged bankrupt, does not suffer from any mental disability and have the capacity to work fulltime.
Those interested may fill in the application form at www.quickride.my