ALOR GAJAH: Delivering traditional delicacies and chicken rice to customers' doorsteps gave Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh a first-hand experience of how those in the gig economy earn a living.
Riding a "cub chai", Melaka Chief Minister collected food orders and delivered them to several homes around Pengkalan Balak in Masjid Tanah here on Tuesday (Sept 1).
He went through the process of receiving delivery orders through digital platforms, picking up meals and getting them to customers.
For Ab Rauf, the experience brought a greater appreciation of the effort behind each delivery.
"I tried being one of the delivery boys – how they receive an order and then deliver it to someone's home.
"I wanted to see for myself how these riders work so hard to earn a living for their children and families," he said after meeting p-hailing workers at Masjid Tanah Sentral here.
He said changing lifestyles and the growth of digital platforms had reshaped the way people did business, with p-hailing riders playing an increasingly important role in the economy.
Their welfare, he added, deserved greater attention.
"I will recommend to the relevant authorities that their welfare be looked into.
"They are contributing to the nation's economy," he said.
Ab Rauf said the state was drawing up an assistance initiative that is expected to benefit more than 3,000 p-hailing workers, with further details to be announced soon.
He also invited riders to attend the "Karnival Anak Muda at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) on Friday (Sept 4), where 10 motorcycles and special-edition helmets will be among the lucky draw prizes.
