A young mother in Melaka has captured the hearts of Malaysians after a photo of her riding her motorcycle with her three children went viral online.
The 23-year-old works as a p-hailing food delivery rider not just to make ends meet, but to help ease her husband’s financial burden.
Photo via Malaysia Gazette
“I have to bring my three kids along while I work,” she told Malaysia Gazette. “I just want to help my husband earn some extra income. It breaks my heart when my sons ask for things I can’t afford.”
On a typical day, Noryani earns around RM20 to RM30, which she uses to buy her children’s essentials like milk and diapers, or to cover their RM350 rent in Bukit Lintang. Her husband, who works at a workshop, earns about RM1,200 a month.
The photo that went viral, she explained, was taken about two weeks ago while she was delivering a fried rice order from Bukit Katil to Melaka Hospital, a trip that earned her just RM5.
She only works when the weather is clear, choosing to stay home when it rains to keep her children safe. Her workday usually starts after sending her eldest to kindergarten in Bukit Katil, followed by deliveries with her two younger boys until noon.
“Some days I only make RM20 or RM30, but I’m still grateful,” she said. “It helps me feel better when my kids ask for things, and I can at least say yes once in a while.”
Despite the challenges of juggling deliveries with motherhood, Noryani stays positive. For her, it’s not just about earning extra money, it’s about giving her children a little joy whenever she can.
“I’m happy that I can still treat my children to snacks or small toys,” she said with a smile. “It may not be much, but it’s something that makes them happy, and that’s what keeps me going.”
As the cost of living continues to rise, stories like Noryani’s remind us of the strength and resilience of many Malaysians who are doing their best to stay afloat. Life may be tough now, but we can only hope that better days will come soon.
