This exclusive story is brought to you by In Real Life Malaysia – For sharing, please credit us and add a backlink. We value your kind acknowledgement of our editors in sourcing and conducting interviews.
This story is about a Malaysian who started working as a Foodpanda delivery guy who uses a bicycle to make his deliveries, showing the realities of food delivery in Malaysia.
I work as a marcomms manager with a decent salary. To most people, that might sound like enough to live comfortably, but my reality was different. Every month, I found myself running out of money.
It wasn’t just a matter of poor budgeting — bills, unexpected expenses, and debts had left me struggling to make ends meet. I needed a way to earn some extra cash, and I needed it fast.
I’ve always loved cycling. I had a mountain bike that I’d used for long-distance rides that took me across Malaysia, from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, Cherating, Perlis, Kelantan, and even Thailand. So, one day, when I saw a Foodpanda cyclist weaving through traffic, a thought struck me: “Why not put the bike to good use?”
Maybe this was my solution. I thought, “If they can do it, why can’t I?”
The Decision to Ride
Image shared by the writer.
I signed up, almost on the spur-of-the-moment, but felt oddly right. I downloaded the Foodpanda app and saw that there were two types of delivery riders — motorcyclists and walkers, who could either walk or use bicycles and electric scooters. The latter seemed perfect for me, as I was no stranger to hours in the saddle, and I was already kitted out with racks and panniers. So I applied as a cyclist.
The training session was three hours in total, covering the basics of delivery, customer service, and safety.
It was clear that they were focused on riders who used motorcycles, not bicycles.
I bought their official Foodpanda delivery bag, which cost RM95 and came with the two iconic pink Foodpanda jerseys. But when I went to pick up my bag, they gave me a sling bag instead of a backpack, which made it awkward to carry over one shoulder. It was clear this design wasn’t ideal for cyclists, but I decided to give it a try anyway.
The First Day: A Rocky Start
Image shared by the writer.
The first day I went out to deliver, I had my mountain bike, equipped with a rack at the back meant for panniers.
I tied the bag down with some elastic string, but it wasn’t secure. Every time I took a turn, the bag would swing dangerously from side to side. That’s how I quickly learned that the bag had no internal structure. It was just a big, floppy sack, making it even harder to carry.
Several times, cars pulled up beside me at traffic lights to tell me that my bag was dangling precariously off my bike.
I was embarrassed, but I nodded my thanks and carried on, determined to make it work.
Since I didn’t have a phone holder on my bike, I had to stop constantly to check directions, fumbling with my phone while balancing the bike. Halfway through my shift, my middle finger started bleeding from the constant chafing. Not the most auspicious start.
I also didn’t bring any water or snacks, thinking I could manage just fine without them. Big mistake. By the end of my shift, I was parched and exhausted.
Luckily, the restaurants I delivered for were kind enough to fill my water bottle for free, which was a small mercy on an otherwise tough first day.
Climbing Stairs, Climbing Hurdles
Image shared by the writer.
Being a food delivery rider was not just about cycling; it was also about delivering to the customer’s door. This often meant climbing up several flights of stairs, especially in low-income apartments without elevators.
On my last delivery of the first day, I had to climb five flights of stairs, carrying the heavy food bag. By the time I got to the customer’s door, I was drenched in sweat and my legs were shaking from fatigue.
After my shift, I calculated my earnings: Just RM42 that night.
Without the bonus for completing three orders, it was only RM24 for four hours of work — just over RM6 per hour.
It was a harsh reality check.
The next day was even worse: Another three-hour shift, but with only two orders, I earned a mere RM11. It was a slow Tuesday night, and I felt utterly defeated.
At that point, I questioned if this was worth it. The pay was low, the work was physically demanding, and the bag situation was still a mess. But I also reminded myself why I was doing this — I needed the money, and I also saw this as a way to lose weight. Despite the challenges, I decided to persevere.
Learning from My Mistakes
By the second day, I make some big changes. I packed snacks, water, and a first aid kit. I also came up with a better system to secure the bag to my bike, although it was still far from ideal.
One delivery stood out that day: While cycling up a hill late at night on my way back home at around midnight, a couple on a motorcycle pulled up beside me.
The girl offered me their leftover (unopened) KFC meals.
Ironically, that KFC was worth more than the money I had made that night! I stretched it out over four days, skipping dinners to save money and lose weight. I was so grateful for the unexpected generosity.
Finding My Rhythm
Image shared by the writer.
By the third day, things started to improve slightly. I invested in a proper rack for the food bag, and it made all the difference. With the new rack, the bag didn’t move anymore, and I felt more stable on the bike. I also made sure to bring all the essentials: food, water, a jacket in case it rained, and a power bank to keep my phone charged.
That night, I made RM50 in just one shift. It was a huge improvement!
There was a moment of kindness where one lady gave me a bag of chocolates and a packet of drinks because they were celebrating a birthday party. I thanked them profusely; little did they know how much that small gesture meant to me.
The right equipment, preparation, and experience were starting to pay off. I was getting more orders, and I was getting faster at making deliveries. I had learned to navigate the streets better, avoid traffic, and find shortcuts. I was also getting used to the rhythm of the job — the waiting, the riding, the delivering, and then waiting again.
The Struggles of a Food Delivery Cyclist
Cycling for Foodpanda isn’t glamorous. It’s gruelling work that requires you to be physically fit and mentally resilient. I was cycling almost 30 kilometres per day, but my earnings were still low, around RM10-11 per hour, even together with bonuses.
But for me, it wasn’t just about the money. It was about finding a way to survive in a difficult time.
The experience also gave me a new perspective on food delivery riders. When I wore the pink jersey, I felt almost invisible, like I was at the bottom rung of society.
People barely acknowledged me. I could walk into any restaurant, café, or apartment building without anyone even looking at me.
At times, it felt humiliating. Here I was, a marcomms manager earning a decent salary in my day job, but at night, I was just another delivery guy.
It made me realise how hard these riders work for so little and with so little recognition or acknowledgement. They face safety risks on the road, harsh weather conditions, and rude customers, all for a few ringgit. It was humbling and eye-opening.
Finding Purpose in the Grind
Despite the struggles, there were unexpected benefits. I was cycling more than I ever had before, getting exercise, and losing weight. It felt good to be active, to feel the wind on my face, and to get paid, however little, for doing something I loved. I mean, who else would PAY me to go out cycling?
I found myself enjoying the solitude of night rides, the quiet streets, and the sense of purpose that came with each delivery.
I began to find joy in small moments: a smile from a customer, a friendly chat with a fellow rider, or a free meal from a stranger. I realised that this job was teaching me something valuable — resilience, patience, humility, and the ability to find contentment in even the toughest of situations.
But would I recommend this job to others? It depends. If you don’t have a bike and you’re not fit, I’d say no. The pay is low, the work is hard, and it’s not for everyone. But for someone like me, who needed the extra cash, the exercise, and a dose of reality, it was an experience worth having.
Reflecting on the Journey
Image shared by the writer.
Each day brought new challenges and lessons. Some days, I felt like quitting. On others, I found myself grateful for the chance to learn and grow in unexpected ways. It wasn’t just about the money anymore. It was about proving to myself that I could do this, that I could handle the ups and downs, and that I could find meaning in even the smallest of tasks.
I began to appreciate the little things more — a hot shower after a long ride, a good meal, or even just the comfort of my bed.
There was one day when everything went wrong. My bike chain slipped off in the middle of a busy road, I got drenched in a sudden downpour, and I missed out on a high-paying delivery because my phone died. I felt defeated and ready to give up.
But then, a fellow rider stopped to help me fix my chain, offered me his spare poncho, and even shared his power bank with me.
His kindness reminded me that there are good people out there, and that even in the toughest of jobs, there is always room for compassion and humanity. The experience made me more empathetic and understanding of the struggles of others.
Looking Forward
Image shared by the writer.
As I continue this journey, I’m still learning. I’m learning to balance my day job with my night gig, to manage my time better, and to take care of my health. I’m learning to appreciate the simple joys of life, like a cold drink on a hot day or a warm meal when I’m tired.
I’m not sure how long I’ll keep doing this. Maybe just until I get my finances back on track, or maybe longer if I find a way to make it more sustainable. But for now, I’m content to keep pedaling, one delivery at a time, and to keep finding purpose in the grind.
I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned, the people I’ve met, and the experiences I’ve had. This job isn’t easy, but it’s honest work. And for now, that’s enough.
What do you think of this story?
Submit your opinion to hello@inreallife.my and you may be featured on In Real Life Malaysia.
Also read: My Experience As A Hijab-wearing Female Grab Driver
More from Real Careers
I Earn RM15,000 Monthly as a Designer After Teachers Said I’d Have No Future
This story is about 30-year-old Sasha R. from Klang Valley who is living every Malaysian’s dream job, earning a 5-figure …
I Quit My Career as a Pro Esports Player, Now I’m a Manager at a GLC
This story is about a retired pro Esports player who shares his experiences of winning tournaments and pursuing a different …
I Earn RM 7500 a Month as a Pro Teammate For a Famous Twitch Streamer
“It’s more like being an actor on a TV show than simply playing a videogame with your friends.”
