WHILE most people his age are enjoying retirement, Zakaria Abdul Wahab still spends his days weaving through traffic on an ageing motorcycle, delivering food orders in order to keep his household financially afloat.
The 71-year-old, affectionately known online as “Atok Grab”, has captured public attention across Malaysia after videos and photographs of him working as a delivery rider circulated widely on social media, inspiring admiration for his determination to continue earning a living despite his age and personal struggles.
Berita Harian reported on Monday that Zakaria had joined Grab during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 and has remained active on the platform ever since, saying the flexibility of the work made it manageable even for someone in his seventies.
“The Grab system is easy regardless of age, whether young or old like me. We only need to accept the order and deliver it. Even cancelling an order is simple,” he said.
Behind his calm outlook lies a family burden that continues to drive him onto the roads each day.
Zakaria said he cannot afford to stop working after his eldest son, aged 39, suffered a stroke nine months ago, leaving the family without one of its main income earners.
Before falling ill, his son had worked as an e-hailing driver and played a major role in supporting the household.
“I cannot simply stay at home. I must go out and work because I have a wife and children to support, especially after my eldest son suffered a stroke,” he said.
“My eldest son used to help support the family as an e-hailing driver, so now I have lost my backbone.”
“I am now earning extra money to pay for his treatment so that he can recover.”
Despite his age, Zakaria continues to face the same risks encountered by younger riders on Malaysia’s busy roads.
Several years ago, he survived a serious accident involving a 10-wheel lorry which left his motorcycle badly damaged.
“The motorcycle was badly damaged, but thankfully I survived and now I only use an old motorcycle,” he said.
Even so, the accident failed to discourage him from returning to work.
Zakaria said his income fluctuates depending on weather conditions and the volume of customer orders.
On good days, he is able to complete around 20 deliveries and sometimes earns more than RM100, including customer tips.
However, he acknowledged that age has reduced his physical stamina and forced him to shorten his working hours.
“I am no longer as strong as I used to be to work from morning until night, so now I have to limit my working hours,” he said.
Although appreciative of tips from customers, Zakaria stressed that he never asks for additional money and views any extra payment simply as a blessing.
For him, there is no shame in continuing to work honestly, regardless of age.
“If the work is honest, just do it and put feelings of embarrassment aside,” he said.
He also believes remaining active through work is healthier than staying idle at home.
Drawing from decades of life experience, Zakaria urged younger Malaysians not to become overly selective when searching for employment.
“This kind of work depends on interest, but people should never simply sit around doing nothing,” he said.
Zakaria also appealed for greater understanding and assistance for elderly workers, particularly those who continue working despite advancing age and financial hardship.
“The requirements for assistance should be eased, especially for people like us who still work despite being in old age,” he said.
Reflecting on his uncertain future, Zakaria said his greatest hope is simply to see his eldest son recover and regain the ability to work again.
“At any time God may call me back, and I sincerely hope my eldest son recovers so that he can earn a living again,” he said.
For now, Zakaria continues his daily routine on Malaysia’s roads, carrying food orders across town not for recognition, but out of a quiet determination to ensure his family does not go without. - May 11, 2026
