Charles Santiago
Nine in 10 delivery riders say their work has grown hotter. They report headaches, dizziness and fatigue.
But riders are paid per delivery. There is no paid rest or sick leave. If a rider stops because of the heat, they simply lose income.
The heat is only getting worse with climate change. Most of us are unaware that our convenience comes at a price someone else pays.
Guidance is not enough
Malaysia’s Department of Occupational Safety and Health issued heat stress guidance back in 2016.
But guidance alone is not enough, given that Malaysia does not recognise delivery riders as employees.
Food delivery platforms should step up. They should give riders proper breaks, heat alerts, safe places to wait, and the right to pause work without being penalised or deactivated.
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Other countries are already acting. China has set up nearly 200,000 labour union stations for outdoor workers. These offer water, rest spaces, charging points, and ways to heat meals and cool down.
Malaysia should plan similar heat shelters and rest points for riders. A national heat action plan would be a sensible way forward.
Time to rethink the act
So what are we actually doing?
We cannot pat ourselves ono the back for passing the Gig Workers Act if it does not protect riders from heat stress. The act needs a rethink to ensure greater protection from climate change.
Extreme heat must be recognised in law as an occupational hazard. It should not be brushed off as ordinary weather or be regarded as the individual workers’ personal responsibility.
Platform companies are making mega-profits. Why are they not using some of that money to protect their riders?
Charles Santiago is the former MP for Klang
The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.
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