The Covid-19 outbreak has already hit various sectors of Singapore’s economy hard, as evident from measures the government introduced in Budget 2020 yesterday (18 Feb).
Among those feeling the impact is taxi driver Mr Malik Dahsuki, who shares his struggles with Malay newspaper Berita Harian (BH).
He chooses to stay optimistic despite the challenges, doing his job without complaints.
As tensions steadily climb since the Covid-19 outbreak, Mr Malik has noticed that Singapore’s roads have been a lot emptier.
The 69-year-old attributes this to work-from-home arrangements, which many companies have been adopting.
He tells BH,
Since there are fewer people out and about, that means fewer passengers. I’m thankful if I can get even 5 passengers in a day.
He estimates his current daily earnings to be less than $100, when before the outbreak he would take home at least $150.
However, he doesn’t see the drop in earnings as a bad thing.
Choosing to take things positively, Mr Malik sees the fall in number of passengers and income as signs that the government’s health advisories are working.
A taxi driver since 1980, he had been through SARS in 2003, for which he didn’t recall seeing significantly fewer people outside their homes.
Therefore, observing the difference now gives him the assurance that people are taking precautionary measures seriously.
Their conscientiousness is also a reflection of how attentive authorities are towards the nation’s safety, as people do their best to avoid crowded places to prevent infections.
The effectiveness extends to taxi and private-hire drivers who receive careful hygiene instructions and reminders to stay healthy.
Designated stations for temperature screenings every morning give Mr Malik confidence that drivers get the care they need.
Requirements to wear surgical masks and lower windows for air circulation also leave him with no qualms to pick up passengers, even from hospitals.
In terms of money, Mr Malik explains to BH that the government channels $20 daily to taxi drivers’ rental accounts.
While he acknowledges that it helps to cover either part of his daily rental or fuel, he feels that more can be done.
The rent for his Hyundai Hybrid is $120 per day, and petrol costs about $80.
Although he drives a taxi only as a side job, he still feels the pain of getting fewer passengers. He worries for those who drive for a living, to support their families.
With that in mind, Mr Malik suggests that the government increase the $20 contribution, or suspend rental charges.
Various monetary concerns across the board have probably riddled the government ever since the Covid-19 outbreak.
The different measures to help ease people’s financial strains are certainly helpful, but perhaps insufficient for some.
Nonetheless, we shouldn’t be pestering the authorities to churn out money to our liking. A whole nation’s economy is at stake.
Let’s be considerate and see what else may be in store. Hopefully our government hears our concerns and does everything possible to help.
Featured image adapted from Berita Harian.
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