By Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan
COVID-19 has hampered the socio-economic stability in Malaysia and this burden was severely felt by the riders working in food, drinks, and parcel delivery, namely the p-hailing workers.
P-hailing jobs have become the choice of many due to the convenient working conditions and high demand for such services by the public.
Flexible hours and an average income of RM400 to RM700 per week which comes from p-hailing jobs also contributed to the increasing demand for such jobs.
The Transport Ministry (MOT) has recorded registration trains of up to 200 new p-hailing riders every day, since the beginning of the pandemic.
However, the risk of accidents and deaths on the road among p-hailing workers is also increasingly alarming. What’s more, most of the riders are racing on the roads to maximise the number of their trips.
Throughout the enforcement of the movement control order (MCO) last year, the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) has recorded more than 1,700 p-hailing motorcyclist deaths, out of 2,675 total deaths involving motorcyclists.
This is an alarming number. Especially when majority of the riders are often the youths who are still students or the main breadwinners for their families.
It is about time we look after the welfare of these riders and give immediate attention to the issue. A comprehensive coverage must be established by p-hailing service providers. Encouragement of social security contributions and remuneration must be a priority.
The service provider, by now, should come up with employment benefits that are equivalent to the hard work and dedication of their employees. Ensuring employee safety is a must.
The Government, on the other hand, has to continue improving the regulatory framework for this service so that it is in line with the country’s labour standards.
Dear riders, your contributions and hard work are greatly appreciated by all Malaysians. Remember to always be careful.
Insyallah, if we continue to care for our own safety and life, for the sake of our families and survival, there will be rizq for us. – April 29, 2021
Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan is the lawmaker for Rantau and deputy president of Umno. This column first appeared in his Facebook.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
