Haze leaves food delivery riders working through health risks

KUALA LUMPUR: Food delivery riders are forced to keep working through the haze despite health risks as limited occupational safety guidance leaves many with little choice but to carry on.

North-South Initiatives executive director and co-founder Adrian Pereira said riders who fell ill or were unable to work due to the poor air quality may have no guaranteed compensation, making it difficult for them to simply stop working.

"The real question is, do they really have a choice or not? If they are sick or they cannot ride, there is no guaranteed compensation."

Pereira said the lack of clear guidance was concerning as prolonged exposure to haze could affect workers in ways that might not be immediately apparent.

"The danger is that we do not know and we are not sure what to do next."

He added that his organisation, through partners including Gabungan E-Hailing Malaysia (GEM) and Transformasi Pengangkutan Awam Darat (TPAD), had been advising gig workers on occupational safety and health, and urging delivery platforms to share responsibility for workers' well-being.

For rider Muhammad Riezwan Ishak, 30, the haze has made it difficult to focus on the road as his eyes become irritated while making deliveries around Teluk Intan.

"My eyes get a bit itchy, so I cannot focus too much on the road while making deliveries," he said.

Riezwan Ishak, who is also short-sighted, said the haze had further affected his visibility, prompting him to wear black sunglasses while riding, although they offered limited relief.

He said he continued accepting orders but would ride more slowly when the haze became severe and inform customers that their food might take longer to arrive.

"Customers place more orders when haze conditions worsen, as they avoid going outdoors.

"I just make sure I wear a face mask and inform customers that I will deliver the order very slowly so that I do not have a high risk of getting sick due to the haze."

For part-time food delivery rider Muhammad Zaki Abdul Rahim, 26, the haze has been felt in his breathing.

Zaki, who has asthma, said he had experienced chest tightness and difficulty breathing since the haze began, forcing him to use his inhaler more frequently.

"I rarely used my inhaler before this, but now I use it more frequently, around three to four times a week."

Zaki limits his exposure by waiting indoors at food vendors, petrol stations and shopping malls between deliveries.

He said the haze had not significantly affected his income as he could usually reach his part-time delivery target, but he remained concerned about its effect on his health.

Delivery rider Mohd Amirul Hakim, 31, meanwhile, has reduced his working days and shifted to night deliveries as he struggles with persistent coughing.

"I work on alternate days now. I have been coughing badly and continuously because of the haze, so I work only as much as I can manage."

Amirul said the haze also caused eye and throat irritation and affected visibility on the road, requiring him to ride more carefully.

He also preferred working at night to avoid the combination of daytime heat and haze.

The riders said wearing masks, limiting time outdoors, taking shelter between deliveries and adjusting their working hours were among the ways they tried to reduce their exposure while continuing to work.