'Still have to work no matter what': Food delivery riders torn between health and income during haze

Food delivery riders say they have not been penalised for delays during the haze, but some worry that slower deliveries could affect their earnings.

Ms Suhada Abdullah is among the food delivery riders who face a difficult choice between protecting their health and earning a living as air quality deteriorates. (Photo: CNA/Raj Nadarajan)

SINGAPORE: Despite battling a persistent cough, food delivery rider Suhada Abdullah continues to spend 10 to 14 hours a day making deliveries on her motorcycle amid the haze.

The single mother of five, who delivers for GrabFood, relies on her earnings to support her family and pay for essential expenses, including housing, groceries and motorcycle-related costs. 

"We still have to work no matter what," the 52-year-old said. 

Like Ms Suhada, some food delivery riders face a difficult choice between protecting their health and earning a living as air quality deteriorates.

Despite government calls for precautions against haze-related health risks and support measures introduced by delivery platforms, taking time off can mean losing much-needed income for riders who depend on daily deliveries. 

GrabFood rider Shawn Lim experienced this trade-off first-hand, when a cold forced him to take a day off during the haze. 

He told CNA on Tuesday (Oct 20) that despite improved air quality and clearer skies in recent days, working conditions have changed little. 

"It’s cleared up, which means I’m coughing less, but the air quality is still unhealthy," said the 35-year-old, who has been wearing a snood, a tube-shaped scarf, to protect himself from the haze.

At a press conference last Friday, Acting Minister for Manpower Jasmin Lau said platform workers should not be penalised for delivery delays during the haze. 

This includes penalties imposed through incentive schemes, reduced job allocations or pay deductions, she said, adding that platform operators have been reminded of their duty to protect workers from haze-related health risks. 

Some riders CNA spoke to said they have not been penalised for slower deliveries during the haze, but are worried about how the conditions could affect their earnings. 

For Ms Suhada, longer trips and inconveniently sequenced orders have made it harder to meet incentive targets, even though she has not been penalised for delivery delays.

Rather than push herself when unwell, she said she would try to meet her targets another day. "If I cannot hit (the target), then I have no choice. Tomorrow, try to do it again," she said.

Another Grab delivery rider Evan Gan said the haze could slow him down while making deliveries by bicycle, affecting his earnings under the incentive-based system. 

"Maybe you would earn a bit less," said the 30-year-old. 

GrabFood rider Siti Muhaini is concerned she might have to work longer hours to make up for lost earnings. 

"I'm definitely worried about missing my targets as our earnings are dependent on them," said the mother of seven.

Ms Siti said she often feels breathless while making deliveries on her bicycle, even when wearing an N95 mask. Reduced visibility at night could also slow her deliveries, she added.

In response to CNA’s queries, delivery platforms such as Grab and Foodpanda said rider health and safety remain a priority. 

"We do not penalise them for choosing to log off during the haze, nor do we penalise them for the time taken to complete an order," said a Grab spokesperson. 

"Safety on the road always supersedes speed. We want to ensure riders never feel pressured to work or rush, especially when visibility and environmental conditions are less than ideal." 

Meanwhile, Foodpanda said its “delivery partner availability remains stable”, despite an increase in orders as more customers choose to have their meals and groceries delivered to minimise time spent outdoors.

The platform has also introduced a special haze support incentive to provide riders with additional earnings during this period. 

“Delivery partners can also manage their schedules flexibly by adjusting their working hours or taking breaks at any time,” said a spokesperson. 

“Features such as 'excused breaks' enable them to take short, regular breaks between orders during a session while continuing to enjoy applicable incentives.”

Besides allowing workers to adjust their schedules, platform operators have introduced other measures to protect them, including issuing air quality alerts and advisories urging those who feel unwell to seek medical attention. They have also partnered with the National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA) to distribute N95 masks to workers.

Other logistics companies have rolled out similar initiatives to protect their workers. 

Beyond providing masks, J&T Express said personnel are encouraged to limit prolonged outdoor activities when air quality is poor and take breaks indoors as needed. 

Those who are unwell can also inform their supervisors, who can arrange for rest and appropriate support.

Lalamove said its driver partners “have full control over whether, when, and how long they work, and can choose which orders to accept”. 

"We do not assign orders to driver partners or require them to commit to fixed shifts or working hours. During the haze, we’ve encouraged them to use that flexibility to take breaks, rest when they need to and reduce their time on the road," said the Lalamove spokesperson.

The company also provides weekly haze advisories and updates, reminding its workers to check haze conditions before heading out, stay hydrated and rest indoors where possible. 

CNA has reached out to the NDCA for comment on the impact of the haze on workers' health, work flexibility and support measures. 

While N95 masks have been made available to delivery riders, some said wearing them for long periods can be uncomfortable, particularly when travelling on two wheels.

One platform worker, who wanted to be known only as Ms Nora, said wearing an N95 mask while making deliveries is…