KUALA LUMPUR – The tenacity of a food delivery rider has borne fruit after his work ethic moved Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim to help him out.
A rider named Mohamad has been delivering food with a broken bicycle despite the unpredictable weather because he could not afford a motorcycle.
Although he has a polytechnic engineering diploma, he moved from Kelantan to Penang in search of jobs.
In a Facebook post, Sim said he marked the first day of Ramadan by purchasing a RM4,500 motorcycle for Mohamad.
The former deputy youth and sports minister said he was compelled to do something after meeting the 22-year-old who has been cycling – rain or shine – to complete his deliveries even though he was fasting.
“When I asked him why he cycles and (does not use a) motorcycle like others do, he answered that he did not own a motorcycle.
“This bicycle is also borrowed from a friend, and the seat and many other (parts) were broken. But to make a living, he said he is ‘redha’ (accepting)”
He added that Mohamad’s father was a religious teacher and that he had 10 other siblings.
However, Sim said Mohamad’s salary from his day job was merely RM500 a month, which was barely enough to pay for meals, subsisting on small packets of nasi lemak sometimes.
“Mohamad does not grumble, but is grateful for the opportunities at present. After work, he borrows the bicycle from a friend to deliver food. After work, he rests for an hour and cycles until 11 at night.”
Sim said from the deliveries, Mohamad earns RM20 to RM30 a day.
“Although I respect (former prime minister) Tun Dr Mahathir (Mohamad), I have long disagreed with (his) stereotypes of rich Chinese and lazy Malays. There are many Chinese struggling to make a living, many young Malays like Mohamad who are working hard to live.”
He added that Mohamad was reluctant to disclose the help he needed.
“I am not well-versed in religion, but my friends taught me that Ramadan is full of ‘berkat’ (blessings). So I sought the ‘berkat’ of Ramadan, and bought Mohamad a motor(bike).”
He said Mohamad was in disbelief when he was brought to a motorcycle dealership here.
“We bought a Honda. I paid cash. If anyone condemns me for using government funds to buy a motorbike, I want to tell them that none was involved.
“I am now an opposition parliamentarian. I bought this with my own money. RM4,500 inclusive of road tax, insurances, fully settled, and a full tank of petrol, Mohamad can ride away without worry.”
He said he also bought aloe vera cream and sunblock to help treat Mohamad’s sunburnt arms.
As of last night, Sim’s post had more than 42,000 likes and 8,200 shares on Facebook.
This is not the first time Sim has shared his efforts to assist those in need. In recent times, he has highlighted the plight of those he has helped via his social media channels. – The Vibes, April 14, 2021
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