RECENTLY, Bukit Mertajam MP, Steven Sim waited for someone on a motorcycle convoy to take him around his constituency after launching a Penang Rider Jalan Teruih programme.
It was a programme designed by the human resources ministry to reach out to gig workers, namely the ride sharing and food delivery riders.
After waiting for several minutes, a Grab rider named Ahmat Ikhram volunteered to take Sim, who sat pillion as they rode with the convoy for three kilometres to promote the rights of gig workers.
Sim struck a conversation with the young rider, whom he barely knew.
Ahmat told him that he is forced to do two jobs to supplement income for his family, especially after having to pay insurance for both his wife and him, as well as a toddler.
"I told him I have many commitments and I need to pay RM590 for both my wife and me. I also bought a car recently," said Ahmat in a social media post.
Last week, Ahmat received a call from Sim's parliamentary office, who requested to meet him.
"I thought my chat with Sim was just empty talk but the minister took it seriously."
Sim in turned offered to settle the insurance premiums for both Ahmat and his wife for 12-months and also to buy an insurance policy for the couple's child over the same period.
Ahmat recalled that he went silent over the kind offer by Sim.
"I was initially speechless. I didn't think that my friendly chat with the minister would get his attention. Thank - you YB. I will not forget your gesture," said Ahmat.
The posting has garnered almost 1,000 likes on Facebook and reflects the warmth enjoyed between Sim and a gig worker.
Sim had in the past championed the plight of such workers, who have no access to retirement funds and social security unlike permanent workers.
This has however changed since the Gig Workers Bill last month. – October 9, 2025
