Delivery riders weigh health risks against earnings as haze blankets region

Delivery riders operating in haze-affected areas say they continue working despite poor air quality, driven by economic necessity even as health risks mount. While platform operators have not imposed penalties for delayed deliveries during the haze season, workers express concern that longer travel times could still erode their earnings through reduced order volumes and lower per-delivery compensation.

The situation highlights the precarious position of gig economy workers who lack traditional employment protections. Most riders do not receive hazard allowances or health insurance that would offset income losses during periods of hazardous air quality, forcing them to choose between health and financial stability.

Some delivery platforms have issued health advisories recommending workers wear protective masks and limit exposure during peak haze hours. However, riders note that such guidance does little to address the fundamental economic pressure to maintain work schedules regardless of air quality conditions.

Labour advocates have called for stronger protections for delivery workers during environmental emergencies, including income guarantees and mandatory health screening. The recurring haze events across the region have intensified scrutiny on working conditions in the rapidly expanding food delivery sector, which employs hundreds of thousands across major cities.