A delivery rider in Zhengzhou, China, has come to the defence of a customer after the latter was criticised online for giving what some netizens described as a “too small” tip for the urgent delivery of life-saving medication.
The incident went viral after the customer shared a video on July 26 praising the rider for delivering the medicine in record time. Instead of receiving praise, however, the customer faced criticism from some social media users who claimed the 50 yuan (approximately RM30) tip was insufficient.
Speaking to local media on July 27, the rider, Zhang Shuaiyuan, clarified that the delivery covered 8 kilometres, not the 10 kilometres claimed online. He said he completed the journey safely in 17 minutes while strictly observing traffic rules.
According to Zhang, the customer called him shortly after placing the order and explained that the package contained human serum albumin, a medication urgently needed by a sick family member. During the call, the customer also offered an additional 20 yuan (about RM12) if the medicine could be delivered quickly.
“When I handed over the medicine, the customer was extremely emotional and kept thanking me,” Zhang said. “He insisted on giving me a 50 yuan (around RM30) tip, but I told him not to worry about that and to take care of the patient first.”
Later that evening, Zhang discovered that the customer’s post had attracted negative comments, with some netizens accusing the customer of being stingy, while others falsely claimed no tip had been paid.
Zhang stressed that he received the 50 yuan (approximately RM30) transfer on the spot and said he was saddened to see the customer become the target of online abuse.
“I felt the order was already worthwhile. Seeing a kind customer being attacked for no reason made me feel terrible,” he said.
To clear up the misinformation, Zhang posted his own account of the incident on social media. After seeing the clarification, the customer contacted him via private message and attempted to send him another cash gift to express his gratitude, but Zhang politely declined.
The customer later declined media requests for an interview.
