Lalamove driver partners come from all walks of life. There’s a goat farmer who drives with us simply for the love of the road. A mother who works hard so her son can see the world. A retiree funding monthly motorbike trips with friends.
And then there’s Albert Chiong Weng Hong, a 14-ft Medium Lorry driver who completely surprised us.
With his easygoing charm, sharp wit and deep knowledge of durians, Albert brought something special to the table. Just in time for durian season, we thought: why not treat him to some Musang King and hear his story over his favourite fruit?
This is Albert. A proud Lalamove driver, ex-entrepreneur, durian connoisseur and above all, a survivor.
Before the pandemic, Albert was running his own business in industrial supply and renovations. For over 12 years, he provided materials to SMEs, factories and shop lots. But everything came to a stop when COVID-19 hit.
“When the lockdown happened, our business couldn’t operate. We used all our savings to stay afloat. We sold what we could. But in the end… we weren’t so lucky,” Albert shared.
Then came the health scare.
Albert, a longtime heavy smoker, tried to quit cold turkey. Instead, it triggered a serious illness. His weight dropped from 90 kg to 43 kg. He lost the ability to walk and talk. He was in and out of the hospital for two years, trying to recover. Physically, emotionally and financially.
“It was the lowest point of my life. I almost gave up,” he admitted.
But Albert had one constant: his wife.
“My wife was the one who saved my life. She kept telling me, ‘Keep on living, keep on living,’” he said, eyes brimming with emotion.
So he did.
They say life begins again when you least expect it.
With no job and limited options due to his age and education, Albert decided to give Lalamove a try.
“I went to interviews at factories, restaurants but nobody wanted to hire me. So I turned to Lalamove,” he said.
It wasn’t just a way to earn. It was his way to rebuild his life.
Albert started as a Car driver partner. Soon, he was making around RM4,000 a month. That’s when he upgraded to a 14-ft lorry and things took off.
He found not just income, but joy again.
The customers treat him kindly. He gets positive ratings and feedback. He became a food connoisseur, trying nasi kerabu in Kelantan and having the best durian in Raub when delivering long haul orders. He met amazing people.
But most of all, he found happiness in the little things.
“You’ll feel proud of yourself, just like how I feel proud to be a Lalamove driver until today. I’ll do this job until I can’t anymore. That’s my choice.”
Albert says customers are often surprised by his cheerful attitude when he delivers their orders.
His secret?
“If you want to be happy in life, you need to be happy with your job. I’m happy being a Lalamove driver. I love driving my lorry,” he grinned.
With the flexibility Lalamove gives, he gets to live life on his terms with his wife by his side and stress-free days ahead.
“I earn a good income that lets me go on vacations, enjoy food like today’s Musang King, and still have time to rest. I don’t need to worry. I receive my income twice a week, and that’s enough for me.”
Before we wrapped up, Albert generously dropped some durian wisdom.
“Look for good colour and healthy stems. That’s how you know it’s a good one,” he advised.
But more than durians, Albert had something even better to share.
“There’s a Chinese saying: ‘There’s always a road you can walk on. Don’t think negatively.’ Live well. Enjoy life.” And that’s exactly what he’s doing.
Inspired by Albert?
Become a Lalamove driver partner today and enjoy the same flexibility, income and second chances.
Want more inspiring stories? Read more about our Lalamove driver partners here.