Age is no barrier for this 70-year-old delivery rider who tirelessly navigates the Mont Kiara, Sri Hartamas, and Bangsar areas to support his family. According to a report by FMT, Zakaria, aged 70, doesn't rely on navigation apps, and even the most secluded restaurants and apartments don't faze him.
Zakaria, who had 22 years of driving experience and often chauffeured his former boss around, found himself pondering his next move after his contract ended.
"I thought about what else I could do until an opportunity arose, and I decided to become a delivery rider," he said.
Starting his delivery job in August 2021, Zakaria works 12-hour shifts daily, earning around RM100.
"Only rainy days stop me from working. I usually take breaks at mamak stalls instead of resting at home because I feel it's a waste of time. Some of my friends do that, but I can't. Once I'm home, I don't want to go out again," he shared.
Zakaria revealed that his hard work is driven by the need to provide for his wife and son.
"I work hard because my family depends on me. My two sons are unemployed, so I decided to take on the responsibility of supporting the family. Even though I'm tired, I still have to do it, and I don't care how many hours I work. If the government gives RM2,000 to RM3,000 a month, I can choose not to work," he expressed.
Despite the challenges, Zakaria finds joy in meeting different people. "You have to enjoy it and not feel sad. So, just enjoy it," he advised. As a delivery rider, he meticulously checks food packages and customer addresses, always treating customers with respect.
"We (delivery riders) have a responsibility, so we must ensure everything is done properly. So far, I haven't received any complaints," he remarked. He advises young people not to think this path is easy but to work diligently. He also mentioned that if he remains healthy, he will continue working and find the job interesting.
If you'd like to support Zakaria and alleviate his financial challenges, feel free to reach out to him at 017-6811312.
