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Independent Singapore
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Independent Singapore
‘Are you embarrassed or even humiliated to say your husband is a Grab rider?' — Singaporean ‘abang Grab' asks his wife, and gets an honest, shocking answer
SINGAPORE: In the age of hustle culture and side gigs, one Singaporean Grab rider decided to sit his wife down for a brutally honest chat about his job, right before treating her to a luxury meal across the Causeway. Afiq Zayany, also known as the friendly 'Abang Grab,' which means 'Grab bro' translated from the Malay language is not just clocking in kilometres on Singapore's roads; he's also racking up views and likes for his candid takes on life behind the helmet as a Singaporean Grab rider earning six figures and living in a RM1.4 million villa in Johor Bahru. But this time, instead of an on-camera confession and ride-along vlog, he went full journalist — interviewing his wife to find out what she really thinks of his full-time Grab rider job. Spoiler alert: the date includes a luxury meal in Johor Bahru. Because nothing says 'thank you for your patience' like treating your wife to a romantic meal in air-conditioned comfort. And now, for the main event — the ride-and-dine confessional. 'So… how do you feel being married to a Grab rider?' While navigating JB's highways, Afiq then pops the question to his wife, 'So, how do you feel being married to a Grab rider?' Wife: 'For me, being a Grab rider for a short while — it's fine. But doing it for the long term, I won't recommend it. Even if you're young, and you can do this job, you'll eventually become a hunchback (she joked, but she didn't hold back either).' See also K-pop fans take over #WhiteLivesMatter hashtag to drown out racism 'You also get sunburn,' she added to her warnings. Photo: YT screengrab/@RinggitDollars According to Afiq's wife, the job is tough — and she's speaking from experience. She's followed Afiq on his delivery runs before, so she knows the drill: waking up early, battling the jam (though it's still 'moving'), and facing the heat. 'I don't know how you survive the sun every day,' she expressed concern to her husband's wellbeing while teasing him with, 'probably why you come home sunburnt with helmet markings!' The heat is real — but so is the flexibility While her delivery (pun intended) is cheeky, she's also got a point: the job isn't for the faint of heart — or weak of sunscreen. Still, she acknowledges the upsides. 'The work time is flexible. It won't take long,' she says. 'It's just the risk in riding that concerns me, especially during rain. Even when we're careful, others may be careless.' And here's a gem that might resonate with every hustler in Southeast Asia trying to balance dreams with reality: Photo: YT screengrab/@RinggitDollars 'Doing it temporarily while you find a better-paying job or to save money to start a business — it's good. Because to me, as a Malaysian, it's really hard to find an office job that can pay the same high earnings as a Grab rider, even if you're a degree holder,' she said, hitting a little too close to home for many fresh grads with scroll-worthy CVs but empty wallets. 'Do you ever feel embarrassed when people ask what I do?' Then came the moment we're all waiting for… With the calm of a man bracing for impact, Afiq, powered up all the courage he had left, asks his wife (ready to accept whatever that comes), 'Do you ever feel embarrassed whenever someone were to ask you, 'Oh, your husband is working as what?'' His wife doesn't flinch and said… 'For me… no. Because I like people to judge me, I really like people to judge me.' Photo: YT screengrab/@RinggitDollars It was a mic drop moment. Afiq then bursts into shocked laughter. You can almost hear his jaw hit the dashboard. Afiq's wife continues, with unapologetic sass: 'People may say, 'She is like this (living a good life), but her husband is just a Grab driver,' but to me, for as long as the job is legitimate, it's all good for me.' And then, she gave the line that should probably be printed on Grab merch: 'If people ask me, 'Your husband is working as what?' I am proud to say, Abang Grab!' See also Malaysia ex-King's divorce with Russian wife confirmed A husband. A helmet. A happy life. In just under five minutes on their trip to a very filling date night, Afiq delivered more than just food — he delivered a lesson in self-worth, hustle pride, and marital honesty that many Singaporean (and Malaysian) riders would relate to. Being a Grab rider or driver isn't always glamorous. There's sunburn, exhaustion, and the occasional rude passenger. There's societal judgment, too — the same kind that asks, 'You studied so hard for this?' or 'You're still doing Grab?' But Afiq's story — and his wife's unfiltered perspective — flips the narrative. Because here's the truth: there's no shame in honest work. Especially not in work that puts food on the table, pays the bills, and even lets you treat your wife to a luxury meal every now and then. Photo: YT screengrab/@RinggitDollars So the next time someone asks, 'What do you do for a living?' — whether you're wearing a helmet or rolling in a 4-seater — take a page from Afiq's Grab book story. Say it loud. Say it proud. 'I am Abang Grab!' And who knows, like Afiq, you too can become another Singaporean Grab rider, sharing his story on how he earns six figures and lives in a RM1.4 million villa in Johor Bahru someday.
Independent Singapore
30-06-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
‘You want proof? I'll give you proof…' — Grab rider discloses his payslip to sceptics, detailing how he nets S$6K/month in SG; RM20K in JB
SINGAPORE: When Afiq Zayany, a full-time Grab rider from Singapore, shared his story of earning a six-figure income while living in a RM1.4 million villa in Johor Bahru, the internet sceptics didn't hold back. From 'Really meh?' to 'Sure ah? Can get S$4,000 to S$6,000 working as a Grab rider?' the comment section fired off their doubtful questions. It also cued some haters, as Afiq described one of the comments he received, mocking his earnings and hard work by telling him to just 'Cut the c**p, bro! 4K to 6K with those working hours? Hahaha.' And so, the man behind the helmet decided to deliver his proof to his doubters—Grab rider receipt style. 'They said it's impossible… but here's the REAL proof of my Grab rider salary!' he wrote. He then opened up his Grab app and gave netizens a guided free tour of his weekly, monthly, and even hourly earnings—complete with screenshots. No excuses, no flexing, just cold, hard numbers and a hefty dose of humility. The $6K breakdown: More than just delivering food Afiq clarified that he isn't working himself into the ground for that paycheck. He starts his day around 7:00 am and clocks out by 2:00 pm, give or take. That's around 6–7 hours a day, delivering about 25 orders daily, seven days a week. Commenters say, 'wow, bro! crazy ah? you working every day. not tired ah?' and 'bro, you crazy! you no life ah?' But for Afiq, he says, 'But it's not that crazy. I come back around 2 pm plus, so it's actually not that bad.' On one random weekday, Afiq raked in S$204 in a little over six hours. That's almost S$30 an hour, which is more than many desk-bound workers in Singapore earn for staring at spreadsheets all day. Photo: YT screengrab/@RinggitDollars He even addressed the potential nitpickers before they could strike: 'I know what you're going to say: 'Hei! That day you said (you work from) 9 am to 3 pm, now you say 7 am start?'' but that's because, Afiq says, he wants to record YouTube videos, so he starts early to finish early. And it's not just the daily grind—Afiq's weekly earnings tell the real story. Between May 19 and 25, he clocked in S$1,283.20 before incentives. Photo: YT screengrab/@RinggitDollars And if you hit 180 orders that week? That's an extra S$150 in incentives. Photo: YT screengrab/@RinggitDollars Let's do the math: If you earn, let's say S$1.3 or S$1.4K to S$1.6K a week, multiply that by four, and you're looking at S$5.2K or S$5.6K to S$6.4K a month—all from riding and delivering smart. Photo: YT screengrab/@RinggitDollars 'I cannot tell you guys how much I earn consistently (for 4K to 6K)… (but) if I work seven days straight for the whole month, that's close to S$7,000. (But) I have a wife, so I cannot do that,' Afiq laughed. The hustler's math: Expenses, incentives, and smart riding Sceptics often forget one thing—net income matters more than gross. So Afiq broke that down too. Let's talk costs: Petrol: Living in Malaysia keeps fuel costs low—around RM20–25 per day, equivalent to around S$151 per month Bike instalments (XMAX): S$250/month Maintenance: Around S$60/month So the total monthly cost is around S$460. If you earn S$6,000, that's S$5.5K take-home. Even if you cut the workweek to five days, he says you'll still bring back S$4K to S$4.5K. The key, according to Afiq, isn't just working hard—it's working smart and hard. 'You know what they say, don't work hard, work smart. But you know what I say? Work smart and work hard.' So, what's his secret sauce? It's not just about riding faster or hustling harder. Afiq shares the two main traits that have helped him turn his two wheels into a six-figure business: 1. Discipline 'You need discipline, bro. Even as a Grab rider, you need to wake up on time and go to work on time. Yes, you're your own boss—but do you think being a boss is easy? It's not easy.' The flexibility of gig work can be a trap if you're not careful. Afiq warns against using freedom as an excuse for laziness. 2. Consistency + Drive 'You need to be consistent and driven,' Afiq says, and set a minimum earning goal, like telling yourself 'die die I must earn S$4,000 this month,' and anything earned above that, treat it as a bonus. And yes, he works, even when it rains. And there's a reason he loves it too: 'I love to work during the rain. Why? Because a lot of other Grab riders are not working. (So) you get extra incentives (and) the orders just (keep coming) nonstop.' A lesson in quiet hustle Afiq's payslips and solid logic prove that he's just a man trying to make an honest living while sharing what works. Sure, Afiq doesn't wear a suit or sit in a cubicle, but he's building something real—consistently, strategically, and sustainably. He's not waiting for a miracle. He's showing up, rain or shine, and doing what needs to be done. And maybe that's what made his message resonate with others, who are more open to what was possible if you just put your heart and mind to it. But what about the naysayers? For every person laughing behind a keyboard, Afiq has a message—not of revenge, but of quiet confidence: 'You want proof? I'll give you proof…' And indeed, he did. He did it with payslips, screenshots, timestamps, the whole nine yards. In a city filled with hustle fantasies and internet flexing, Afiq Zayany offers something extremely rare—just receipts. If you're still sceptical or simply curious, watch Afiq's full video below and see what real grind looks like when it's powered by discipline, not just dreams. Read related: Singaporean Grab rider shares how he earns six figures and lives in a RM1.4 million villa in Johor Bahru
Independent Singapore
29-06-2025
- Independent Singapore
Singaporean Grab rider shares how he earns six figures and lives in a RM1.4 million villa in Johor Bahru
SINGAPORE: From dodging Singapore's rental hikes to cruising across the Causeway into a golf villa with a buggy service, Afiq Zayany, a Singaporean Grab rider, has cracked the code to living large on a lean budget. Yes, he clocks 250 km a day on his motorbike. Yes, he lives in Johor Bahru (JB), and yes, he's stashing away six figures annually, while probably sipping teh tarik happily by the pool of his RM1.4 million (S$399,000) villa. This isn't your typical rags-to-riches tale. It's more like rags-to-strategic-Grab-rides-and-cross-border-hacks. As Afiq says with a shrug, 'To get this… I worked as a Grab rider,' and by 'this,' he means the dream—one many Singaporeans are still dreaming about. The villa life for a rider guy 'I have this big space, and I don't know what to do with it,' Afiq laughs, as he gives a casual tour of his JB home. It's not just a house—it's a 2.5-storey golf villa, complete with a swimming pool, gym, and even a buggy to cart him around the estate. All this just for S$550 a month. Photo: YT screengrab/@RinggitDollars Compare that to Singapore, where even a cramped 600 sq ft studio apartment can cost upwards of S$3,000. He jokes about it, but there's some real fire behind his decision to move across the border. 'I was looking at PropertyGuru… and this one-bedroom without even a personal toilet is going for S$980!' With such pricing, Afiq probably just said no to that and decided to move to JB instead. Why Afiq can ride 250 km a day with a smile on his face Here's where most people would groan: Cross-border commuting, but for Afiq, it's the price of freedom—and actually, a cost-saving move. In Singapore, you're shelling out S$3.40 per litre. In Malaysia? Just RM3.10 (S$0.93 for RON97). Yes, Afiq calculated it down to the cent: 'I ride around 250 km a day. That's about 8 litres. If I pump (petrol) in Singapore, it would cost me S$27.20 (RM89)… In Malaysia… RM24.80. That's about RM64 savings per day! Times (multiply) that by five days a week, four weeks a month—that's around RM1,280 (S$387) saved.' That's just one of the five smart reasons why this Singaporean rider took the long road to wealth (literally and figuratively). Top 5 reasons Afiq moved from SG to JB 1. Rent that doesn't rob you Singapore's rental prices are, in Afiq's words, 'very, very expensive.' He couldn't justify spending S$3,000 for a shoebox when he could have a villa for a fraction of that. 2. Cheaper petrol, bigger wallet A full-time rider burning through 250 km a day feels every price bump at the pump. With Malaysia's lower petrol cost, his RM1,280 monthly savings fuel not just his bike, but his dreams. 3. The food tastes better Now, this is a controversial point—especially for Singaporeans—but Afiq stands by it. 'Malaysian food tastes nicer. It has more flavour, more spice—it really just packs a punch!' Photo: YT screengrab/@RinggitDollars His advice (if you don't believe him): Try a nasi goreng kampung in Singapore, then hop over and try it in JB. 'Then, you guys tell me, Malaysian food or Singaporean food is better? To me, it's Malaysian food. That's why I moved here.' 4. Lower cost of living = higher quality of life From groceries to date nights, utilities to vehicles, Afiq says everything just costs less. Case in point: he bought a Toyota Alphard for RM30,000 (S$9,000)—no Certificate of Entitlement (COE), no expiry in 10 years, and no kidney sacrificed. In Singapore, the COE requirements are valid for only 10 years and come with an additional price tag of S$100,000 or more, so in Malaysia, Afiq is happy that he 'can use it (his car) forever.' 5. More peace, less pressure Above all, it's the vibe. 'I feel less stressed. I have more freedom. It's less crowded, and I'm more at peace.' Afiq isn't just riding for Grab. He's also building his dream as a content creator and aspiring business owner. And that requires one precious resource: flexibility. Daily grind done right What's Afiq's typical day? Well, he just works from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., then chills. In that short window, Afiq earns between S$4,000 and S$6,000 a month, depending on how hard he works or pushes himself during the day. 'It's very hard for me to find an office job that actually pays that well with those short working hours,' he explained, so let that sink in for a while. Imagine the freedom of having no cubicle, no clock-punching, and definitely no office politics, gossip, and toxic bosses—just open roads and open possibilities. However, Afiq is also not romanticising Grab riding either. 'I don't recommend doing Grab long-term. It really takes a toll on your body,' he warned, but if you're building something or in between jobs, it's a great option, he advised. He calls it (Grab riding) a transition job, one that gave him the stepping stone to build real savings for him to invest in his future. From Grab rider to six-figure maker Here's the part that gets everyone blinking, or even going biking like Afiq. Afiq's goal is to save and invest RM100,000—and he's well on his way. With low living costs, high discipline, and smart financial moves, he's managed to build up six figures in savings. 'I'm just like you. I'm not earning much. I'm just doing Grab, and whatever I do, you guys can apply… anyone can do this.' His secret? There's no secret. It's just the good ol' application of discipline + dedication = results. 'Anyone can do this. Anyone can save up and invest RM100,000—even a Grab rider like me…' Million-ringgit takeaway There's something infectious about Afiq's optimism. He doesn't act like a guy burdened by long rides, border jams, or the grind. Instead, he comes off like someone who's cracked the system and is genuinely enjoying the ride. Now, he's living in a villa, working flexible hours, and saving serious money—all while pursuing his creative passions. So what's the real takeaway? You don't need a high-flying corporate job or mess around with some get-rich-quick scheme to make it. Sometimes, all it takes is just a helmet, a plan, and a willingness to ride your own route—metaphorically and even literally! For the full ride through his SG-JB lifestyle, watch Afiq break it all down in the video below: In other news, another SG citizen also shared that 'You don't need to be a stock market expert to get rich' — Young Singaporean millionaire reveals how solving problems of others with AI led to his first million
Free Malaysia Today
04-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Durian seller Nathan's prickly fight for survival
Kamalanathan Troung Kodang, or Nathan, is a disabled durian seller running a roadside stall in Subang Jaya. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle) SUBANG JAYA : Along a bustling road in USJ 9, Subang Jaya, just opposite the Warisan Sambal Opah restaurant, lies a modest fruit stall. It's nothing more than a plastic table topped with durians and a weighing scale, accompanied by a handwritten sign that reads: 'I'm OKU. Please support me'. This humble setup reflects the tenacity of its owner, Kamalanathan Troung Kodang, 36, in overcoming life's challenges. Better known as Nathan, he has faced his fair share of setbacks. Once a crime branch detective, he left the police force in 2016 to care for his ailing mother. 'After my father passed away, my mother developed a health issue. At the time, there was no one to take care of her, so I left my job,' Nathan told FMT Lifestyle. His mother had suffered a minor stroke that affected her mobility. With his elder brother living in another state and his younger sisters still studying, Nathan stepped up to care for her. To make ends meet, he worked jobs with flexible timing so he could spend more time at home with her. Nathan waits patiently for customers at his durian stall. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle) During the pandemic he worked as a Grab rider. But one day a wound he had on the sole of his left leg became infected. Being a diabetic, it resulted in the amputation of two toes. Shortly after, he lost vision in his left eye. In 2023, another wound in his right foot led to the amputation of his right toe. And last year, he was told he might have colon cancer. He is still awaiting a confirmed diagnosis. Earlier this year, he suffered another setback when he collapsed due to low blood pressure, breaking his left leg. Unable to continue work as a Lalamove rider, he sold petai for a while but switched to durians which give him a better income. Many in his circumstances would have given up a long time ago – but not Nathan. His goal is to earn enough without depending on others to support himself and his mother, who now also suffers from knee problems. He wants to save up for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to address her knee issue. 'It will cost RM1,000 per knee, so for both knees, it's around RM2,000.' Workers from Warisan Sambal Opah restaurant regularly help Nathan set up his stall and open durians for customers. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle) For Nathan, selling durians comes with its own set of challenges, the weather being one of them – but rain or shine, he shows up for work. Even securing a spot to set up his stall is tough. Sometimes, he waits for hours in his car until a parking space becomes available. During FMT Lifestyle's visit, Nathan said he had been waiting nearly four hours – and his first customer only arrived almost an hour later. Some customers are understanding when they see his condition – they buy without asking him to open the fruits. But others insist he open the durian and walk away if they aren't satisfied with what they see. It's a loss for Nathan as he cannot sell the durian to others once the fruit's opened. Yet, he treats every customer with respect. In May, his right finger was amputated after an injury from a durian thorn became infected. Asked if he ever felt like giving up, he said: 'I haven't so far. Although I had to sacrifice a finger, I'm satisfied because it helps my mother.' Nathan is determined to keep going, one customer and one durian at a time. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle) Despite his hardships, Nathan has experienced kindness from many around him. He said that the owner of Warisan Sambal Opah instructed his workers to help Nathan during their breaks. Members of the public who have learnt of his plight have given him groceries and donations, and bought durians to support him. 'Malaysians are very kind and helpful. They are really supportive, and they motivate me to be stronger.' Determined to keep going, Nathan is already planning ahead. Once the durian season ends, he will launch his dodol business. 'We have to keep going in life. So, I stay positive, trust myself and believe that I can make it.' Nathan's stall (opposite Warisan Sambal Opah restaurant) 2-1, Jalan USJ 9/5p Subang Business Centre 47620 Subang Jaya, Selangor Business hours: 4pm until sold out at night (closed every alternate Monday) Contact: 017-560 8462 (If you don't see Nathan's stall, give him a call – he's likely nearby, waiting for a spot to free up. Also, best to call ahead in case he has a medical appointment that day.) For the restaurant's location, click here.
