When driving a bus means carrying a community
After nearly two decades with Rapid Penang, Rahmat Hamid has become a familiar and trusted presence to generations of passengers.
Rahmat Hamid, a 58-year-old bus driver with Rapid Penang for 19 years, sees every journey as a responsible task to safely transport passengers. Known for his warmth and patience, Rahmat formed strong bonds with regular passengers, particularly Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) students who presented him with a prayer mat and beads as a farewell gift.
The students had completed their studies and wanted to show their gratitude for Rahmat's consistent punctuality. Rahmat, who started driving for Rapid Penang in 2007, emphasizes the importance of calmness and patience, especially during heavy traffic or unpredictable road conditions. He has driven various routes across the island, including those to Air Itam and Teluk Bahang, which are among the most challenging.
Despite occasional criticism from passengers and other motorists, Rahmat maintains his composure, prioritizing passenger safety above all else. His dedication to his job has been recognized with Rapid Penang's Best Captain Award in 2008. With two years left in his service, Rahmat finds his work meaningful beyond just driving, shaping his daily routine and connecting with the communities he serves.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
