Akmal Azhar
Zero-Star Safety Rating Raises Alarm
Grab Malaysia has officially banned the use of all Neta electric vehicles on its e-hailing platform, specifically targeting the Neta V and Neta X models. These vehicles were added to Grab’s updated Rejected Car Models list due to their poor safety performance, including a concerning zero-star rating in the ASEAN NCAP crash test. This move stands out because Grab generally allows vehicles under 14 years of age and even pick-up trucks in East Malaysia.
Safety Prioritised Over Relaxed Guidelines
Grab Malaysia stated that the ban is a proactive business decision focused on ensuring the safety of both passengers and drivers. Despite the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and APAD no longer enforcing a minimum crash test rating for e-hailing vehicles, Grab has chosen to uphold its own internal safety standards by rejecting cars that fall short.
Limited Presence of Neta EVs in Malaysia
Although Neta EVs have been available in Malaysia, their presence remains modest. As of May 31, 2025, JPJ data shows that 298 units of the Neta V and 59 units of the Neta X are registered on local roads. The Neta V was introduced at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023 and priced around RM100,000, while the larger Neta X debuted a year later starting from RM119,888.
Neta’s Future in Malaysia in Jeopardy
The ban comes amid broader issues facing the Neta brand in Malaysia. Its local distributor, Intro Synergy, is currently undergoing a restructuring process, promising to maintain service centres and honour warranties while shifting to a direct-to-consumer business model. Meanwhile, the parent company Hozon Auto has entered bankruptcy restructuring but remains committed to future global launches by 2027.
Impact on Drivers and Ride-Hailing Market
With this ban in place, owners of Neta EVs can no longer register or operate their vehicles on the Grab platform. The decision sends a clear message that Grab is committed to passenger and driver safety, maintaining higher benchmarks than national regulations.
Zakirin
