Elderly Grab rider delivers food to make ends meet
The Covid-19 pandemic has certainly affected the lives of millions of people in many ways. Although we are now in the recovery phase of the pandemic with nearly all business activities allowed to operate as usual, those who have lost their jobs and only source of income still find it hard to make ends meet.
With recent news from the government on depleted EPF savings, it has become especially disturbing to know how people will be heading onto their retirement age with little savings. This elderly man, who went viral for becoming a Grab delivery rider at the age of 68 years old just two months ago, is a glimpse at how difficult things may be for many in the years to come.
68-year-old man seen delivering Grab food orders in Kuala Lumpur
On Thursday, 18th November 2021, TikTok user Ashraf Danny uploaded a 16-second video of an elderly Grab delivery rider he met in KL, which has now gone viral among Malaysian netizens.
Ashraf, who is also a delivery rider with Grab, shared with his followers how he bumped into the 68-year-old man at Mont Kiara while delivering an order there.
Image credit: danielashraf1370
In a brief conversation with the uncle, Ashraf learned that he used to work as a lorry driver before joining the well-known food delivery platform as a delivery rider. “He just joined Grab as a delivery rider about two months ago in order to earn a living,” Ashraf is heard saying in the video.
Image credit: danielashraf1370
It is also understood from Ashraf’s responses to several netizens’ comments on his video that the elderly man is actually a delivery rider from the Damansara area. Nonetheless, he was seen completing an order in KL.
Ashraf subsequently praised the uncle for being independent even in his 60s, and requested fellow Malaysians to consider tipping him if they happen to receive their orders from him.
Ashraf’s comments explaining the details of the incident
Image credit: danielashraf1370
Netizens heartbroken to see old man’s struggles
Since its posting, the viral video has amassed over 800,000 views, 100,000 likes and more than 5,000 comments from Malaysians. Many netizens were deeply saddened to witness the elderly man’s struggles on display in the video, leaving comments expressing how they felt after watching it.
Image credit: danielashraf1370
“Where did you find this old man? I’m so not at peace as I can only see his struggles but not being able to offer any help,” one netizen wrote.
Image credit: danielashraf1370
Another TikTok user said that she was saddened by the sight, and couldn’t even imagine the elderly rider getting scolded by customers if orders are delayed as this is a sad reality of many delivery riders.
Image credit: danielashraf1370
Meanwhile, this netizen shared that she was heartbroken to see the elderly man work as a Grab delivery rider, and also called upon young individuals to follow his example and be independent and hardworking.
Elderly man becomes Grab rider to earn a living
It is indeed heartbreaking to see this elderly man still having to work at 68 years old, an age when most individuals are expected to retire. Nonetheless, his determination to stand on his own two feet is something all young individuals should try to emulate.
We hope he will receive help from locals to do a job that is less physically challenging than delivering food.
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Cover image adapted from: danielashraf1370 and danielashraf1370