GEORGE TOWN: By late afternoon, food delivery rider Muhammad Azim Abdullah is thirsty and worn out. But he remains determined and presses on.
To him, Ramadan is more than just a month of spiritual reflection. It is also a test of endurance as he navigates the busy streets and stairwells across the city.
“Fatigue and thirst are the main challenges for me, especially when delivering in hot weather. It can get exhausting, particularly when I have to climb steps to deliver to customers,” he said when met outside a shopping mall here yesterday.
To sustain his energy, Muhammad Azim, 23, keeps sahur simple but nourishing, relying on dates and milk.
He adjusts his working hours during the fasting month even though it could lead to a slight dip in his income.
“Usually, I go out when demand is highest. During Ramadan, orders come in quickly between 4pm and 8pm, so I make sure I am ready at that time,” he said.
While orders surge in the hours leading up to buka puasa, the window to complete them is limited.
“Income during normal months is higher because we operate throughout the day. During Ramadan, although most orders come in during peak hours, there is a limit to what we can do in that period,” he said.
For fellow rider Mohamad Fitri Azman, 25, Ramadan requires small but meaningful adjustments.
“During fasting, I work as usual, but I will take five to 10 minutes to break fast before continuing throughout the night.
“I make sure I take enough food and drinks during sahur. But due to fatigue later in the day, I tend to reduce pick-ups and deliveries.”
He said the scorching weather and heavy traffic are the main challenges.
“But fortunately, we can move swiftly on a motorcycle,” he said.
Other Muslim workers are also balancing professional duties with their fast.
Factory operator Nur Aisyah Mohamed, 29, said shift work during Ramadan could be especially challenging, particularly when night shifts disrupt her sleep.
“I make sure I eat proper, balanced meals during sahur and rest whenever I have the opportunity so that I can continue working and fasting.
“Even though it is tiring, I see it as a blessing because I can still fulfil my responsibilities and practise my faith,” she said.
Staff nurse Siti Nurul Huda Abdul Rahman, 32, said caring for patients while fasting calls for added resolve.
“As a nurse, I cannot sit and rest for long because I have to monitor the patients, administer medication and respond to them when they need help. It becomes more tiring during day shifts while we fast.
“But Ramadan reminds me to be patient and sincere in what I do, especially as I continue to fulfil my responsibilities towards patients while fasting,” she said.
