E-hailing drivers and delivery riders face numerous challenges in their line of work, including adverse weather conditions and heavy traffic. However, for some, the job also comes with the troubling experience of sexual harassment, as reported by NST.
Personal Accounts of Harassment
- Subhan, a 24-year-old e-hailing driver, recounts an incident where a male customer offered him a substantial tip and made inappropriate requests:
– Incident: The customer gave Subhan an RM50 tip and asked him to visit his house after work, offering more money to shave his beard.
– Response: Subhan politely declined, mentioning that his girlfriend liked his beard.
Badrul Ali, a 26-year-old driver, has faced similar experiences:
– Incidents: He has received suggestive comments and inappropriate touches from male clients.
– Response: Badrul chooses to either react minimally or ignore the advances respectfully, emphasising that he has never felt physically threatened.
Reporting and Reaction
Despite these unsettling encounters, both Subhan and Badrul have opted not to report these incidents to the police or their service platform operators. Their decision is influenced by a desire to avoid confrontation and maintain good customer ratings, which are crucial for their livelihood.
Community and Legal Responses
Contrary to Subhan and Badrul’s approach, other drivers have taken steps to report such behavior:
– Recent Case: On April 3, an e-hailing driver reported a customer who allegedly offered to perform oral sex on him. The suspect was arrested and charged under Section 377D of the Penal Code for gross indecency.
Advocacy and Awareness
Jose Rizal, chief activist of the Malaysian eHailing Alliances, has emphasised the importance of reporting harassment:
– Advice: Jose encourages victims to lodge police reports and inform the platform operators about any harassment incidents.
– Call for Action: He hopes for increased awareness campaigns by authorities to educate the public about sexual harassment and promote a safer working environment for e-hailing drivers and delivery riders.
Sexual harassment remains a significant but often unreported issue for e-hailing drivers and delivery riders. While some, like Subhan and Badrul, choose to handle the situation quietly to preserve their ratings and avoid conflict, others have begun to report these incidents, seeking justice and support. Advocacy groups and activists are calling for more awareness and action to protect these workers from harassment and ensure a safer working environment.
