"Sea man" leads self-sufficient life for 30 years

TELUK INTAN, Perak - Following the discovery of "Tarzan brothers" on the fringe of the forests in Teluk Intan last year, an Indian "sea man" was found leading a self-sufficient life for more than 30 years on the seawall between the Chinese villages in Bagan Datoh.

The Indian "sea man" arrived in Malaysia in 1952 and was working with the Water and Irrigation Authority for the following decade.

For the past 30 years, he has been living alone in seclusion on the seawall between the villages in Hilir Perak.

Due to the fact that he shuns unnecessary distractions, he built himself a hardly recognisable house.

Passers-by would never imagine that there is actually someone living inside a bunch of canvas-like things.

Thanks to the kind arrangement of a villager Ji Mao Gui, Sin Chew Daily managed to explore the unique characters of this "sea man," Raja Marikam.

Canine companions

Ji said although Raja is an Indian, he likes to mingle with Chinese villagers all these years. Raja has kept more than 20 dogs for companionship.

The dogs will also protect him from wild animal attacks.

"Raja has a unique temperament and would not accept donations easily. He makes a living mainly on selling seafood harvests such as fish, prawns and crabs to local Chinese residents.

Nevertheless, due to his old age of 82 and poorer harvests of late, Raja has to reluctantly accept the goodwill from from local residents who send him food and daily necessities.

The Indian "sea man" Click on thumbnail to view (Photos: Sin Chew Daily)