Sunny Waseem* is often spotted on his motorbike with a food delivery bag weaving through the Hong Kong traffic under the scorching sun.

However, what goes unnoticed is the sweat, headaches, thirst and anxiety to fulfil an order on time.

The 38-year-old delivery rider routinely works more than 12 hours daily, handling back-to-back orders during the busy lunch rush.

“Most of our working hours are during the very hot weather. So it really affects [me], I feel exhaustion and increase in sweat and short breath,” said the full-time rider, who has six years of experience.

Waseem said that he had to take painkillers several times a week to relieve headaches caused by the heat.

However, he felt he could not afford to take breaks in the shade because the food delivery platform would downgrade him with its algorithms, leading to a reduction in his income.