KUALA TERENGGANU – Being able to make a handsome income, flexible work schedules and less stressful, have made food delivery rider job increasingly popular these days.
Even Persons with Disabilities or PwD are jumping on the bandwagon to earn an income from this line of profession, in fact the quality of their services is comparable to other normal food delivery riders so much so four of them made it into the list of 10 best Grab Food delivery riders for February in Terengganu.
For hearing impaired and mute Ahmad Aiman Yaacob, 22, despite having a certificate in mechanical engineering from the Shah Alam Polytechnic, Selangor, he chose to be a food delivery rider because he was comfortable with the work system.
“If you work hard, you will get a decent income. Most importantly, it is very convenient for me to manage the time due to the efficient work system and I don’t feel any less worthy due to my shortcomings since the focus is on customers’ orders.
“Each day, I will try to get as many “jobs” as possible and I’m thankful to be able to earn around RM3,000 a month,” said Ahmad Aiman who has no plan to find a job with fixed monthly income, at the moment.
The interview session with the six OKU food delivery riders was conducted using sign language and translated by one of them, Mohammad Asyraf Anuar, 24, who only has a mild hearing impairment.
Convinced friends to join in
Mohammad Asyraf who has been in the food delivery service since April last year, was the person who has convinced his fellow PwD friends to earn a living through the same profession.
He said all of them have all been friends since their school days at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pendidikan Khas Chendering and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Ibrahim Fikri, Kuala Nerus.
“Not all companies are willing to employ PwDs which is why I am grateful for the opportunity provided by Grab Food.
“It’s always been an exciting momment to receive tips from customers. The tips range from RM10 to RM50 because customers are moved by our dedication. In fact, one of our friends received RM5,000, the biggest amount ever which went viral on social media last month,” said Mohammad Asyraf who was overwhelmed by the gestures expressed by concerned customers who understood the challenges faced by them.
Ahmad Muhaimin Yatim, 29, said food delivery rider has become his career choice because he was inspired by his friends who managed to earn high income and were free to work around their own schedules.
“I used to work at a supermarket and had to adhere to the roster given. When I saw how comfortable money-wise my friends were, I thought I should give it a try especially since I am planning to get married after Aidilfitri.
“I am earning and saving as much as I can to prepare for the big day and to start a new life with my future wife,” said Muhaimin Yatim who is grateful for the support of families from both sides.
For Wan Mahalim Wan Marhalim, 40, his income as Grab Food rider is enough to support his wife and two children, aged eight and four.
“Before this, I worked at a factory while my wife ran a small business in Kampung Gong Tok Nasek. What can I say? I have no complains as this job is convenient and practical for both customers and us.
“Our welfare is also well looked after because we are registered with the Social Security Organisation (Socso) which is important for the future of the family,” he said.
