While many spend their retirement years slowing down, 71-year-old Zakaria Abdul Wahab continues to brave the busy streets of Kuala Lumpur on his motorcycle not for leisure, but to provide for the family he loves.
Affectionately known as “Atok Grab” or Grandpa Grab among customers and fellow riders, Zakaria’s story is one of quiet sacrifice and unwavering devotion.
Zakaria joined the food delivery platform during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, turning to gig work at an age when most would have already stepped away from the workforce.
For him, however, staying home was never an option.
Speaking to local media outlet Harian Metro, Zakaria shared that he can complete up to 20 deliveries on good days and earn more than RM100.
“If I just stay home, it’s not possible. I have to work to support my child and wife, especially my eldest son who is 39 and suffered a stroke,” he said.
His words carry the weight of a father’s responsibility, one that does not fade with age.
Before illness changed everything, Zakaria’s eldest son had worked as a ride-hailing driver.
However, after suffering a stroke nine months ago, his son could no longer continue working.
Since then, Zakaria has taken on the responsibility of earning extra income to help cover medical treatment and recovery expenses.
For the veteran rider, every delivery represents more than just an order fulfilled, it is another step towards supporting his family during one of their most difficult periods.
In an interview with Grab Malaysia in 2025, Zakaria revealed that he usually works from 1pm until 11pm, taking short breaks whenever needed.
He admitted that age has naturally limited his stamina.
“I no longer have the strength to work from morning until night,” he shared.
Yet despite slowing down physically, his determination remains firmly intact.
Zakaria’s journey has not been without hardship.
According to the New Straits Times, he was previously involved in a road accident where a 10-wheel lorry severely damaged his motorcycle.
The incident could have ended far more tragically.
“I was lucky to survive. Now I only use an old motorbike,” he said.
Even after such a frightening experience, Zakaria returned to the road, driven not by choice, but by love and responsibility.
Beyond his own struggles, Zakaria hopes his story will inspire others, particularly young people, to remain open-minded about work and never be ashamed of honest labour.
“Choose work that you enjoy but don’t just sit around without doing anything,” he advised.
To many customers, he may simply be the familiar elderly rider arriving with a food order.
But behind the Grab uniform is a father and grandfather carrying burdens far heavier than the delivery bag on his shoulders.
At 71, Zakaria Abdul Wahab’s story serves as a powerful reminder that dignity lies not in age or status, but in the willingness to keep showing up for the people who depend on us.
Source / Image Credit : NST , Harian Metro
