TIME constraints and rising work demands have fuelled the growing popularity of “runner” services.
This includes the one offered by a woman who not only delivers items, but also provides companionship for women who need support.
For 29‑year‑old Nor Anisah Abdullah from Kuantan, Pahang, the idea emerged when she realised that many people, particularly women and the elderly, struggle to get immediate help with everyday tasks.
That gap pushed her to step in as a lifeline for her community.
Beyond deliveries, she accepts requests to accompany clients to hospital appointments, go shopping, ferry children to and from school or tuition, handle office and documentation matters, and even provide childcare.
The service, she told Bernama, not only eased her clients’ daily burdens but also offered emotional reassurance and trust, especially for those living alone.
“Recently, a woman asked me to accompany her to a hospital appointment.
“I handled everything – pushing her wheelchair, being with her during the consultation and helping her buy food.
“Sometimes they just need someone there. Not everything can be done alone,” she said.
The mother-of-one also assists clients in emergencies and often becomes a “listener” for women who simply need someone to confide in.
“There are clients who even pay me to drive them from Kuantan to Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
“I do it to help while also earning extra income,” she said of jobs that start as early as 7am and could continue late into the night.
However, she acknowledged that the job carried risks and required attention to safety.
She remains vigilant before accepting requests involving pick‑ups or transporting clients.
“The first thing I check is the location − it must not be isolated − and then the client’s identity.
“I only accept bookings from women. There have been cases where men tried to deceive me by making fake bookings.”
Still, Nor Anisah admitted that the biggest challenge was maintaining punctuality and upholding the trust her clients placed in her since she began offering the service last year.
“I believe services like this are genuinely needed, especially in urban areas.
“Demand is rising, particularly among working adults and the elderly,” she noted.
She hopes more people will recognise runner services as a viable profession – one that not only generates income but also strengthens community spirit.
“It may seem like a small service, but its impact is huge for those who need it,” she said.
