But that’s not the case for Ng Kee Lam: at 78 years old, he is still actively working as an e-hailing driver. But what exactly compels Ng to get behind the wheel every day?
Chatting with FMT Lifestyle, Ng shared that after working for 34 years as a taxi driver, it’s become part of his DNA. And unlike many people who experience burn out after too long at their jobs, Ng still enjoys every minute of his.
“There are no off days for me, I drive every day. I even like to drive on the weekends because there are many bookings then,” he said.
“I start my day at 7am, work until 11am, and break for lunch. I resume work at 2pm and finish at 6pm. I take a long rest during lunch because of my age.”
This, however, is a far cry from his younger days when he drove continuously until midnight. Although the hours were long then, Ng said he used to take short breaks to stretch his legs and enjoy a cup of tea before getting back on the road.
Ng became a taxi driver in 1990 when he left his job in construction. “Working under the hot sun was tough,” he recalled.
While he drove the length and breadth of the Klang Valley, it was the streets of Kuala Lumpur that was more familiar turf to him. After all, Ng, the middle of three siblings, grew up in the Chow Kit area.
Reminiscing about his childhood, he said he was enthralled the first time he saw a car on the road. It comes as no surprise then that he ended up driving cars for a living.
“I started driving when Kuala Lumpur was in the early stages of development. So I have seen how the city has grown to what it is today. Some of my fondest memories are of the times when there were no skyscrapers,” he reflected, adding that even the Petronas Twin Towers weren’t built then.
But it isn’t just the city’s skyline that has changed over the decades. Technological advancements have meant his work is easier now.
For example, back then, he said, drivers were informed over the radio of passengers who needed a ride. But there were instances when he drove to the pick-up point only to find that no one was waiting there for him.
He was a Grab driver for about five years before officially becoming an e-hailing driver with Maxim this year. He said the apps provided by these platforms make it much easier to identify the exact location where a passenger is waiting.
There is yet another change he has witnessed on the road over the decades: the increasing number of cars. “In 1990, there wasn’t much traffic on the roads. Even 10 years ago, it wasn’t as bad as it is today,” he shared.
Even so, this driver is resolute about keeping his eyes on the road ahead. Although his four children have offered to help him financially, he has politely declined, preferring to earn his own money instead.
There is one thing, however, that has remained unchanged over the years: prioritising his passengers’ comfort and safety, which is why he diligently services his car every month and ensures that the air conditioner is in good working condition.
Ng shared that his target for daily earnings is around RM50 to RM70 and if he achieves it early, he heads home to spend time with his wife and grandchildren.
Indeed, Ng is proof that age is no barrier to work. Asked if he had a word of advice for other retirees, he simply said: “Stay productive and spend time doing meaningful things.”
For Ng, it is clear that he is most content behind the wheel. “When I am driving, my heart feels happy. What would I do if I didn’t work? Simply spend time on my phone? Spending too much time on the phone makes me sleepy!” he said with a laugh.
“It’s better to work,” he concluded.