ALOR GAJAH: Upgraded rest facilities for e-hailing drivers and p-hailing riders are among the election pledges by Barisan Nasional’s Lendu candidate Datuk Abdul Hakim Abdul Wahid.
He said the gig workers raised the state of the existing facilities when he met them in Masjid Tanah town on Monday (Nov 2).
"Both sites lack water and electricity supply.
"The rest stop in Masjid Tanah town is open and has limited space, while the one in Taman Masjid Tanah is just an empty shelter," he told reporters after a walkabout in Lendu on Tuesday (Nov 3).
Hakim credited caretaker Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh with introducing the rest stops and said the upgrades would give workers a more comfortable place to take a break.
On Sept 1, Ab Rauf told the media that the state government had provided a dedicated rest area for delivery riders at Masjid Tanah Sentral, where they could shelter from the heat and rain while waiting for their next order.
He said he would provide further assistance to improve the facility and suggested installing fans.
Media reports in October said eight rest areas for delivery riders were planned across Melaka’s three districts, with the Masjid Tanah Sentral facility identified as the latest site.
Hakim said that if elected in next week's Melaka state polls, he would also work to provide rest stops at more locations so drivers and riders have more places to shelter.
He added that they played an important role in the local gig economy and that their welfare deserved attention.
Hakim faces Bersatu’s Nazri Ramli in a straight fight for Lendu.
The Election Commission has set Nov 14 as polling day, with early voting on Nov 10.
