P-hailing rider braves rain, heat to make ends meet
KUALA LUMPUR: With only a Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualification, Amirul Asyhwad knows his job options are limited.
"I can't afford to be picky. Right now, I'm just doing what I can to earn a living, for my wife," said the 29-year-old.
Amirul has worn many hats, from serving as a prison warden for three years to trying his hand at acting.
These days, he works full-time as a p-hailing rider, zipping through the city's streets to make ends meet.
Recently, Amirul took to TikTok to share a raw, emotional moment, questioning whether he was a failure for not having a fixed income and relying partly on his wife for support.
To his surprise, the video went viral, garnering over 1.1 million views and an outpouring of support.
Viewers praised Amirul for his honesty and for choosing to earn a living through honest means.
"It was raining, I had just finished work and my clothes were soaked. I was feeling down and recorded a short video for myself. I never expected it to blow up.
"Alhamdulillah, many Malaysians offered words of encouragement, and some even reached out with job opportunities. I truly appreciate their kindness," he said when contacted.
Married for eight months, Amirul admits his earnings as a rider are inconsistent. Yet, his wife's unwavering support keeps him going.
"She never complains about what I do, as long as it's halal," he said.
"I always remind myself — I do this to make life easier for her and to meet our monthly needs. I can go without, but I won't let her suffer."
While most treat him respectfully, he recalls one disheartening encounter at a luxury home: "It was clear they thought I was a nobody, but I didn't let it affect me. I'm here to survive, not impress."
His job has taught him resilience and life lessons, but Amirul has bigger plans.
He hopes to one day open a cafe, a dream he believes has potential, especially with the younger crowd's love for such spaces.
"But I need capital and for now, I'm saving up. Insya-Allah, if the opportunity comes, I'll open a cafe with some friends as partners," said Amirul, who hails from Jerteh, Terengganu.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
19 hours ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Elizabeth Tan moved to tears after fan's prayer for her in mosque
KUALA LUMPUR: Actress and singer Elizabeth Tan, 32, was deeply touched by a male fan's thoughtful gesture when he recently prayed for her in a mosque, asking God to grant her and her husband, Ding Siew Jim, a child. "He also prayed that I always be healthy and happy," she shared. "I'm so grateful that many Malaysians out there care for and pray for me." Tan added that the fan's actions moved her to tears. "I cried when I read about this, thank you for letting me know. I really appreciate it," she said, expressing her gratitude for his love and appreciation. "I am very lucky and feel loved." News of the male fan's prayer surfaced on Threads recently, when an anonymous user highlighted it. The user's post read: "Yesterday I attended a buka puasa at Putrajaya Mosque, and after prayers there was this man who sat next to me, who prayed that Elizabeth and her husband have a child, and always be healthy and happy." The user concluded, "Elizabeth, you are very lucky and blessed." Many netizens were also touched by the fan's gesture and joined in, praying that Tan and her husband would soon be granted a child. Tan and Ding tied the knot on March 21 March 2021.
![#NSTviral: Elderly man's Raya tradition of friendship melts hearts online [WATCH]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2Frootin_1749430814.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
#NSTviral: Elderly man's Raya tradition of friendship melts hearts online [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: They say food brings people together, and for one elderly man, it's also a way to keep memories, friendships, and traditions alive. In a now-viral TikTok video posted by @Miss_mie.co, a heartwarming scene unfolds, shared by the man's daughter. The elderly man is seen distributing homemade lemang and rendang to a group of his old friends — all of them Chinese — with his daughter driving him from house to house. "Every year during Aidiladha, Dad never forgets his friends. "He makes the lemang and chicken rendang all by himself," she wrote in the caption. The clip has touched thousands, with viewers praising the man's sincerity and the beautiful tradition he keeps alive year after year. User @yourdisaster2 said: "Your dad s so sweet! I hope their friendship lasts forever." Another user, @jaszjayzee, wrote: "You're amazing, uncle! Wishing you continued good health and abundant blessings. "Always be kind to all of humanity, regardless of race or religion." User @mientsburger commented: "The truth is, the father is indirectly teaching his children noble values. "Hopefully, when he's no longer around one day, this beautiful tradition will be carried on. May their bond of friendship remain strong always."
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Part toy, part fashion: How did Labubu get so popular?
Labubu, the plush toy from China's Pop Mart is a social media darling, but the toothy little monsters are far from an overnight success. Having appeared a decade ago, Labubus may have finally cemented their place in the collectible toy market for years to come. The Labubu, by artist and illustrator Kasing Lung, first appeared with pointed ears and pointy teeth, in three picture books inspired by Nordic mythology in 2015. In 2019 Lung struck a deal with Pop Mart, a company that caters to toy connoisseurs and influencers, to sell Labubu figurines. But it wasn't until Pop Mart started selling Labubu plush toys on key rings in 2023 that the toothy monsters suddenly seemed to be everywhere, including in the hands of Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and NBA star Dillon Brooks. K-pop singer Lisa of Blackpink began posting images of hers for her more than 100 million followers on Instagram and on TikTok, where Labubu pandemonium has broken out. K-pop singer Lisa of Blackpink began posting images of hers for her more than 100 million followers on Instagram and on TikTok, where Labubu pandemonium has broken out. There are 1.4 million #Labubu TikTok posts and counting, videos of fans unboxing them, showing styles inspired by them, and of course, Labubu cosplay. Fans have latched on to Labubu's mashup of play and fashion, making them accessories on handbags, backpacks and belts, or hanging them from car mirrors. "The character has evolved into a collectible and style symbol, resonating with fans who connect with its quirky aesthetic and unique backstory,' Emily Brough, Popmart's head of IP licensing in the Americas, said. Labubu has been a bonanza for Pop Mart. Its revenue more than doubled in 2024 to 13.04 billion yuan (US$1.81bil), thanks in part to its elvish monster. Revenue from Pop Mart's plush toys soared more than 1,200% in 2024, nearly 22% of its overall revenue, according to the company's annual report. Aside from their ability to pique the interest of toy aficionados and fashionistas, Labubu latched on to the blind box phenomenon, where the purchaser doesn't know exactly which version of the plush toy they'll get. And Pop Mart made sure there is a Labubu for everyone, regardless of income. Most are priced in a wide rage between $20 and $300, with certain collaborations or limited editions priced higher, according to Brough. People look at collectable designer art toy Labubu at a Pop Mart store in Siam Square in Bangkok. — Photo: AFP Unlike many toys, Labubu devotees include a large number of adults. Buyers ages 18 and over drove a year-over-year increase of more than US$800mil in the U.S. toy market in 2024, according to market research firm Circana. Adult shoppers, mostly female, bought the toys for themselves. In 2025's first quarter, toy sales for those ages 18 and over rose 12% from the prior-year period. At US$1.8bil, adults also accounted for the highest spending among all age groups in the quarter. Like many retailers, Pop Mart is actively monitoring negotiations between the U.S. and just about every one of its trading partners as prices may be impacted. The situation with China is at the forefront, with President Donald Trump saying on Friday that the country "violated' an agreement with the United States on trade talks. Right now Pop Mart, whose products are manufactured across Asia, says that it is continuously scaling production and expanding distribution across its online shop, retail stores and blind box vending machines to meet increasing demand. People look at collectable designer art toy Labubu at a Pop Mart pop-up store in Siam Center shopping mall in Bangkok — Photo: AFP Short supply has led to long lines at stores and at least one physical fight at a shopping center in the United Kingdom. Pop Mart said in an Instagram post late last month that it was temporarily suspending all in-store and blind box machine sales in the U.K. Peter Shipman, head of Europe, said in a Facebook post that the company is currently working on a new method to distribute toys to stores. Resellers have become problematic and many Labubu fans are still willing to pay exorbitant price markups. Kena Flynn was at The Grove shopping center in Los Angeles recently when she stumbled upon some Labubus being sold at a kiosk. Flynn said in a TikTok on Sunday that the prices were "really bad,' but her boyfriend bought two anyway. "At a certain point, you can't buy them,' Flynn said in her video. "I just want a Labubu and I cannot buy one from Pop Mart, so here we are.' Looking to keep up with the overwhelming demand, Pop Mart says it's on track for 50 more retail locations in the U.S. by the end of the year. That'll give shoppers more chances to hunt for Labubus, as Pop Mart says it's planning multiple new Labubu releases tied to seasonal moments and holidays throughout the rest of the year. — AP
