PETALING JAYA: For p-hailing riders, every trip means income.
But with the heatwave now, each delivery is a test of endurance.
From navigating traffic under the scorching sun to racing against deadlines, gig workers face a daily struggle in their quest to earn a living and stay fit.
For p-hailing rider Rahimi Azmi, he had to put up with migraine attacks triggered by the unbearable weather.
“At times, the headache becomes too much, so I have to stop for a while.
“Sometimes I need to buy painkillers from a pharmacy before I can continue working,” said the 29-year-old.
And this has become an extra expenditure.
“What I earn each day now partly goes towards buying medicine as well,” said Rahimi.
These days, he has to take longer breaks and drink water more frequently during the five hours he is on the road.
“Previously, I would only drink three bottles of water a day, but now I am consuming up to five due to the intense heat,” he said.
The need for longer breaks also means he sometimes cannot meet his income target.
As such, Rahimi said he has resorted to accepting more orders on weekends.
“My time with my family has become rather limited because I have to chase trips on Saturdays and Sundays.
“I really hope the hot weather does not continue for too long,” he said.
Malaysian P-Hailing Delivery Association deputy president Abdul Hakim Abdul Rani spoke about the dilemma riders face in adjusting their working hours to cope with the heat.
“For many of them, it is not simply about shifting to night work. P-hailing workers depend almost entirely on customer demand, which tends to drop during off-peak hours, especially late at night.
“That is the harsh reality gig workers have to face every day.
“If they avoid the peak hours, they may also have to accept fewer orders,” he said when contacted.
Abdul Hakim advised riders not to push themselves too hard at the expense of their health.
“Proper planning is crucial. If the afternoon heat is unbearable, it is better to start early in the morning, take a break during mid-day and resume in the late afternoon,” he said.
“So plan your day. Decide which jobs are suitable to take on.
“Do not force yourself and be extra careful when working in hot conditions.
“If you feel weak or exhausted, you should stop, rest and drink enough water before continuing.”
“At the end of the day, safety comes first.
“If an accident happens because someone pushes beyond their limit, it may also put other road users at risk,” said Abdul Hakim.
