Not all heroes wear capes. Some just leave a little kindness behind.
Photo via X (@kamaghul)
For e-hailing drivers, long hours and early mornings are often the norm. Many spend the entire day on the road just to earn enough to support their families. One such driver had started his shift in Puncak Alam and ended up in Kuala Lumpur, far from his home in Kuala Selangor. It was a long journey, and he likely had a long night ahead of him too.
But then came a passenger who had something else in mind.
Instead of just paying for the ride, the passenger offered the driver some extra cash and made a heartfelt request: “Brother, I want you to go home now. Take this money, stop working for the day, and spend time with your kids. Be with your wife and family today. You’ve done enough.”
The gesture was captured in a video and shared online, touching the hearts of many. While it seemed like a beautiful moment of generosity, not everyone felt it was enough.
Some experienced riders and drivers weighed in on the situation in the comments: “This driver probably earns over RM300 a day. RM150 won’t make up for the income he’s giving up.”
“If you’re tipping RM50 for a ride and expecting him to head home, it barely covers his cost to return.”
The moment sparked discussion, not just about tipping culture, but also about how we value the time and labour of gig workers. While gestures of kindness are always appreciated, the reality is that for many, taking time off comes at a cost.
So if you’re ever moved to help someone, do so with both heart and thought. Understand their reality, and whenever you can, be generous not just in spirit, but in action too. Compassion goes a long way, especially when it's paired with awareness.
