No shame, just do honest work: M’sian Grab rider, 71, keeps working to support family after son’s stroke

71-year-old Zakaria Abdul Wahab continues working as a Grab food delivery rider to support his family, despite his age.

Known affectionately as “Atok Grab (Grandpa Grab)" among customers and fellow riders, Zakaria joined the platform in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic and has continued working ever since, according to Harian Metro.

Speaking to the Malaysian publication, Zakaria said his approach to work is guided by a simple belief.

“No shame, we’ll just do what is honest work,” he said.

Learned about job after seeing younger riders

According to an interview with Grab Malaysia in 2025, Zakaria first worked as a driver before eventually joining Grab.

He said he became interested in GrabFood delivery after seeing younger riders doing deliveries and speaking to them about the job before deciding to apply.

However, despite his age, he said he still goes out to work because he has a wife and children to support.

Supporting son after stroke

Zakaria shared with Harian Metro that his eldest son, 39, suffered a stroke about nine months ago.

His son had previously helped support the household by working as a Grab e-hailing driver.

“Previously, my eldest son helped a lot with earning a living as a Grab driver, so now I’ve lost my backbone,” he said.

He added that he is now trying to earn extra income to help pay for his son’s treatment and recovery.

Shorter working hours

In the interview with Grab Malaysia, Zakaria noted that his working hours usually run from 1pm to 11pm.

He added that he sometimes takes short breaks between orders, including stopping for meals before continuing work.

However, Zakaria said he no longer has the stamina to work from morning until night like he used to, and now limits his working hours.

His income also depends heavily on weather conditions and customer demand.

On better days, he can complete up to 20 orders and earn more than RM100, including tips.

He added that he never asks customers for tips and considers them an extra blessing when received.

Previously survived accident involving lorry

Zakaria has also previously been involved in a road accident with a 10-wheel lorry, according to Harian Metro.

His motorcycle was badly damaged in the incident, although he survived safely.

He now continues working using an older motorcycle.

Hopes support for elderly workers can be eased

Zakaria also told Harian Metro he hopes assistance schemes for elderly workers can be made easier to access without excessive requirements or paperwork.

He also encouraged younger people not to be overly selective about jobs.

“Choose work that you enjoy, but don’t just sit around without doing anything,” he said.

Zakaria had previously gone viral in 2021 after TikTok videos showed him continuing to work as a GrabFood rider in his late 60s, drawing praise from many Malaysians online.