A local food rider’s post about receiving tips from customers has unexpectedly sparked a debate online, with some praising the kind gesture while others argued that tipping should not become a local culture.
The discussion began after a Threads user, believed to be a food rider, shared two photos showing cash tips he had received while on duty.
In the post, he wrote: “Sometimes B40 people are more generous than T20 when it comes to tipping riders.”
The post, which has since gained over 283,000 views, showed him holding a RM10 note in one photo and a RM50 note in another.
Some saw it as appreciation for riders
While the post appeared to simply share his personal experience, it quickly drew mixed reactions from Malaysians.
Some users defended him, saying he was not demanding tips but merely sharing something positive that happened to him.
One commenter wrote that the rider “didn’t ask anyone to tip him”, adding that he was just sharing his experience.
Another pointed out that Malaysians are usually generous by nature.
Others disagreed with tipping culture
However, some felt that tipping should not be normalised in Malaysia, arguing that customers already pay for the delivery service through the app.
Another user added that tipping should not become something workers depend on, as the service has already been paid for.
Discussion on wages
The post also led to a wider conversation about gig workers, service jobs, and how Malaysians view tipping.
Some users felt that tipping riders is a kind gesture, especially since food delivery work can be tiring and unpredictable.
Others argued that workers should be paid fairly by companies instead of depending on customers’ tips.
One commenter claimed that tipping could make workers “greedy”, while another said the issue should not be framed as customers being responsible for a rider’s income.
Despite the backlash, many pointed out that the rider did not appear to ask for tips in the first place.
Instead, they said the post was likely meant to highlight moments of kindness from customers, rather than pressure others into tipping.
