Woman 'runner' brings convenience and companionship, a lifeline for the community

KUANTAN - Time constraints and work demands have driven the growing popularity of ‘runner’ services among the public, including one offered by this young woman, who not only delivers items but also provides companionship services for women in need.

For Nor Anisah Abdullah, 29, the idea came about when she noticed that many people face difficulties in getting immediate help for daily tasks, especially women and the elderly, prompting her to step in as a community lifeline.

In addition to delivery services, she also accepts requests to accompany individuals to hospital appointments, go shopping, pick up and send customers’ children to school or tuition classes, handle office and documentation matters, and provide childcare.

She said the service not only makes things easier for clients but also adds value in terms of emotional support and trust, particularly for those living alone.

"Recently, a woman asked me to accompany her to a hospital appointment, so I handled all the procedures, including pushing her wheelchair, staying with her during her consultation with the doctor, and helping to buy food. Sometimes, they just need someone to be there - after all, not everything can be done alone,” she told Bernama.

The mother of one daughter added that she also assists clients facing emergency situations, while serving as a ‘listener’ to women who wish to share their problems.

"There are also clients willing to pay for me to send them to Kuala Lumpur International Airport from Kuantan. I do it to help, while at the same time earning additional income,” said the Kuantan native.

According to her, the charges vary depending on the services provided, and on average, she earns hundreds of ringgit a day, starting work as early as 7 am and sometimes continuing into the night.

However, she acknowledged that the job carries risks and involves various safety concerns, and she remains cautious before accepting any requests to pick up or transport clients.

"The first thing I ensure is the location - that it is not isolated or secluded - and secondly, the client’s identity, as I only accept bookings from women. There have also been cases where men tried to deceive me by making bookings," she shared.

However, Nor Anisah admitted that the main challenge is ensuring punctuality and maintaining the trust placed in her by clients since she began offering the service last year.

"I believe services like this are truly needed, especially in urban areas, and demand is also increasing, particularly among working individuals and the elderly. At the same time, once clients feel comfortable and trust the service, they tend to recommend it to others," she said.

In the meantime, she hopes more people will view ‘runner’ services as a viable profession that not only generates income but also supports the community.

"Although it may seem like a small service, its impact is significant for those in need. Another reason I do this job is that it allows me to spend more time with my daughter while helping to support our small family’s finances,” she said. - BERNAMA