In an age where gig work is often brushed off as unstable or temporary, one Grab rider is rewriting the narrative, and he’s doing it one delivery at a time.
Meet Afiq Zayany, a Malaysian Grab rider who turned food delivery into a high-earning career that funded his dream home; a RM1.4 million villa in Johor Bahru.
Crossing Borders for a Better Life
Afiq lives in Johor Bahru (JB), Malaysia, but commutes daily to Singapore where he works as a Grab rider. His routine is strict but effective: six to seven hours of food delivery across Singapore’s busy streets, completing around 25 orders a day. That brings in an average of S$200 (RM660) daily, and a monthly income of S$6,000 to S$7,000 (RM20,000+).
“If you treat this like a real job, not a side hustle, S$4,000 is the minimum. Push harder, and you can hit S$6,000 or more.”
Just Pure Grit
While the numbers are impressive, Afiq doesn’t sugarcoat the job. He estimates riding more than 250km daily under Singapore’s unforgiving weather.
“It’s either scorching hot or you get drenched,” he explains. “It’s exhausting, and you’re risking your life on the road every single day.”
There are no boardrooms or air-conditioned cubicles in this job, just hours of mental and physical stamina.
“You are your own boss, but people forget that being a boss is hard. There’s no one chasing you to work, so you have to be consistent and motivated.”
The Unexpected Kindness of Strangers
In the middle of the daily grind, Afiq finds comfort in small acts of kindness from customers. Some leave out cold drinks or snacks for riders, a gesture that never goes unnoticed.
“Most customers are thoughtful. When I see snacks left outside for riders, it genuinely makes my day,” he says.
For a Grab rider constantly on the road, these moments of appreciation offer a welcome morale boost.
No Hacks, Just Hustle
Afiq has been working as a Grab rider for over two to three years. His success isn’t accidental, it’s built on consistency and planning.
He tracks his deliveries, sets weekly targets, and makes full use of platform incentives. In one week alone in May, he earned S$1,283 before incentives, plus a S$150 bonus for hitting his delivery goal.
“If I take a week off, my income drops to around S$4,000,” he says. “But if I work every day, seven days a week for the whole month, I can get close to S$7,000.”
Why He Chose Johor Over Singapore
Though he earns in Singapore, Afiq chooses to live in JB, and it’s a decision he doesn’t regret.
“I feel less stressed, less cramped, and more at peace,” he shared. “It’s the best of both worlds. I earn in Singapore, but I live in comfort in Malaysia.”
For this Grab rider, peace of mind is just as important as income.
The Reality of Gig Work
Afiq doesn’t romanticize his job. He knows it’s not for everyone.
“There’s no promotion, no HR department planning your career,” he says. “It’s not for everyone. You have to make it work for you.”
He credits Grab’s rider workshops and training, but believes true success comes down to one thing: showing up.
“The flexibility is great, but don’t misuse it. Set goals. Stick to them. Show up every day.”
One Grab Rider’s Guide to Financial Freedom
Afiq Zayany’s story is proof that even a so-called “temporary” job can lead to lasting success, if approached with the right mindset.
There are no shortcuts, no magic formulas, just one Grab rider, his motorbike, and a routine powered by purpose.
“If you want to earn well doing this,” he says, “then treat it like it matters. Because it does.”
Source: here
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