PETALING JAYA: Uber will team up with Teksi 1Malaysia (TEKS1M) drivers in view of a special Malaysia Day promotion this week.
In a campaign known as #UberRakyat, the move will see TEKS1M drivers partner with the app for special rates to drive to some parts of Kuala Lumpur.
An Uber statement said trips to places such as the Petronas Twin Towers, Petaling Street and Lake Gardens would be offered at a 63% discount on Sept 16 and 17.
"For two days … Uber Malaysia will introduce the 'Rakyat' view, which comprises of a selection of TEKS1Ms, Protons and Perodua vehicles," it read.
Uber Malaysia general manager Leon Foong later told The Star that the move to get TEKS1M on board for this was the first of its kind since the app being introduced in the country.
"They're (TEKS1M drivers) actually very keen. Some of them used to be our partners while they were waiting for their TEKS1M licenses which are mostly given to individuals," he said in a message.
He said Uber was working with these TEKS1M drivers as some users preferred these cars, most of which are Proton Exoras.
"It was a mutual engagement that actually happened because of social media," he said.
Foong did not want to reveal how many TEKS1M drivers were coming on board, and implied that other taxis weren't joining this time.
When asked if Uber would work with taxi drivers in the future, Foong said that if the overall experience was good for users, Uber would look into having "a bigger project".
For several months, taxi drivers have been demanding for the Government to ban Uber and other services such as GrabCar, claiming a loss in business.
