What it is like to be a delivery rider during a pandemic

Who would have thought being a delivery rider would give me such an immense feeling of purpose and service to the nation. With the current COVID-19 situation, it has been challenging and definitely rewarding. As a delivery rider for Domino’s Pizza, we are working to continue to provide our service to Malaysians. 

A typical day at work during the Movement Control Order (MCO) is an eye-opener. Being on duty has its ups and down. The strict protocol to adhere to in terms of hygiene care and social distancing is extremely important and we were told by the company to comply to these procedures at all times – this was important for us as well as our customers.  We understand that and it is one of the many measures taken by the company to ensure that we are able to continue serving our customers in a safe and secure manner. Domino’s as the first to implement mandatory Zero Contact delivery and take-away service was another example of how the company demonstrates its commitment to us, the employees and our customers. From my chats with my other fellow riders, we see the value in this and we appreciate that every aspect of the food preparation and delivery operations are taken into consideration while we operate under these unprecedented circumstances. 

I have been a rider with Domino’s for more than 14 years and this recent experience truly left a profound impact on me. During my deliveries, in addition to those for customers, we were also assigned to deliver to the police and armed forces on duty. Just as how us riders were carrying out our duties, these men and women in uniform were on duty to ensure that all Malaysians adhere to the MCO. They matter and they make a difference in the whole scheme of efforts to bring down the curve. During a delivery to them, one of them shared that being out there is a duty that they signed up for. They are honored to serve the nation as a front liner. Those words stayed with me as I rode back to the store that day and my heart was never fuller. I understood where they were coming from, I saw the sense of purpose in my own duty, in my own way of contributing to society.  

Being on duty is more than just sending pizzas. It is creating a meaningful moment to those receiving the pizzas. We’ve all heard it before, the promise of ‘It’s All About You’ but I truly understand it now, and for this I am thankful for the experience that I have gained during the MCO. The tenacity, focus, dedication and commitment of our team shined through during these challenging times. Vigorous training, strict cleanliness and hygiene procedures from the kitchen staff to the cashier and us, the riders made complete sense as it creates a safe value chain of food preparation and food delivery from us to our customers. There is no compromise on the safety and food handling from our kitchen to a customer. 

I look forward to continue serving our fellow Malaysians with pride. I am more than determined than ever to fulfill my duties today as a rider but I am prepared to go the extra mile and explore the possibility of me leading a team that makes a difference to the community. Just like my Operations Manager, Abdillah Abdul Shukor started as a rider and has risen through the ranks in the past 14 years, he now manages a team of 11 District Managers and 6 Independent Managers and has over 50 stores under his supervision. It is all possible at the #1 pizza delivery company in Malaysia and even more meaningful with a clear purpose in mind. 

Mohd Shafid Md Yassin, 35 is a true blue Abang Domino’s, a proud pizza delivery rider who has been on duty and working on the frontlines during the movement control order (MCO). His journey began with pizza making and safety protocols training. His love for Domino’s is incomparable. He even proclaimed his love by featuring the Domino’s logo on his wedding invitation card and wedding cake when he got married.