Food delivery riders in Malaysia forced to work despite hazardous haze conditions

As the haze blankets parts of Malaysia, food-delivery riders are pressured to stay on the road despite mounting health concerns. Adrian Pereira, executive director of North-South Initiatives, said workers who fall ill have no assured compensation, leaving them little choice but to keep earning. Riders report eye irritation, reduced visibility, chest tightness and persistent coughing, prompting measures such as wearing masks, sunglasses, using inhalers, waiting indoors between orders, and shifting to night deliveries.

Muhammad Riezwan Ishak slows his pace and notifies customers of delays, while Muhammad Zaki Abdul Rahim relies more on his inhaler and limits exposure. Mohd Amirul Hakim has cut his working days and prefers nighttime shifts to avoid the haze and heat. The group urges delivery platforms to share responsibility for worker safety.