Zulhelmi Mansor, who leads the riders’ interest group Penghantar, said they had planned the strike two to three weeks ago following complaints of fluctuating wages and alleged manipulation of riders by companies.

“We hope consumers will understand that they will not be able to use their apps for a day. It is to send a message and pressure the p-hailing companies,” he told Berita Harian.

For the past week, “off one day” and “food delivery blackout” posters were shared on social media sites over the planned protest. The posters carried Grab and Foodpanda logos.

Zulhelmi hoped the government would intervene and help mediate the issue and also hear the cries of the riders who were unfairly compensated.

He said the matter had been brought up to the companies but it had not been resolved.