For those willing to wait, many said they would show their appreciation by giving duit raya tips to riders who continue working during the festive period.
Retiree Peter Chong, in his 60s, said he would set aside cash every year during Hari Raya and other celebrations to tip delivery riders.
“They should be taking a break during the festivities but they need to work to make a living.
“It is not easy working as a delivery rider. Rain or shine, they are out there doing us a great service.
“That deserves to be rewarded. That’s why I give them a nice tip.”
Teacher Jaclyn Charles, 49, who relies heavily on food delivery services for her household and elderly parents living elsewhere, described the lower number of riders over the next few days as “a small inconvenience”.
To prepare, she said she had stocked up on food at home and advised her parents to do the same, although she would still place orders earlier than usual to avoid delays.
“This is expected every year when most Muslims riders do not work during the festivities.
“But there are also those who work on Hari Raya after taking a short break in the morning.”
Many Muslim riders she spoke to said they had no choice but to work as they needed the income to feed their families and make up for their high expenditure preparing for Hari Raya.
“I always tip them well as it is very admirable to see them working so hard for their families,” said the Bandar Sunway resident.
Checks by The Star in the Klang Valley yesterday found only a handful of delivery riders on the roads at noon, indicating a noticeable drop in numbers.
However, for some riders, this festive lull presents an opportunity to earn more.
Foodpanda rider Tony John, 42, said he would be working throughout the Hari Raya season and was looking forward to triple his daily income owing to the shortage of riders.
The Sabahan, who is a non-Muslim, said demand for longer-distance deliveries tend to rise during the festive period.
“I will be working longer hours as there will be greater demand although short-distance rides will be much lower,” said the rider, who has been in the job for the past eight years.
Grab rider Aziz Mohamed said he would take just one day off to celebrate Hari Raya before resuming work, due to financial necessity and the opportunity to earn more.
“My income can triple during this time, apart from extras like duit raya, which many customers give, especially if they are celebrating Hari Raya.”
Aziz, who is a bachelor, said taking a break during the festive period was not worthwhile as there would be demand for delivery riders.
“Moreover, I am a local from Selangor and do not have to balik kampung.
“It can be very rewarding to work instead, as my income will increase severalfold.”
Aziz estimates that more than half of delivery riders would be on holiday during the festive period, resulting in longer waiting times for customers.
Others, such as Zulizudin Mohd Nazir, who was spotted in Kelana Jaya, is opting to take a break.
He said he was making his final rounds of deliveries before going on a three-day break as usual.
“I have never worked on Hari Raya since becoming a food delivery rider five years ago,” he said, adding that orders tend to dip on the first day of Raya, as many households prepare their own meals.
