Learn from Banda St seniors

I LIVED with a friend in Banda Street for almost a month. It is located in the heart of Chinatown, and most residents in that area are needy.

There are a lot of senior citizens, most of whom are living alone in small rental flats. It saddened me to see that
they rarely had visits from family members. Their family members were either too busy with their lives or these old
people were all alone in this world.

However, their determination to survive inspired me. Despite their age, they still had the urge to work. These old folk would wake up as early as 6am, pushing trolleys around office buildings.

I can imagine how important the karung guni man is to these people.

An encounter which left a deep impression on me was when I asked an old "uncle" how much he made each day from selling junk. He said that on some days, he could earn as much as $5 or $6, which was enough for food and personal expenses.

"I also need to earn a living," he said. I asked if he was receiving any financial aid, and his reply was: "I am still able to work. As long I can walk and work, I won't ask for help. It should be given to someone who needs it more than me."

The determination expressed in his statement struck me. We should follow the example set by such people.

I have seen people who are much younger but who do not have half the resolve of these senior citizens. The hardship the latter group has experienced must have shaped their attitude to life.

Meeting and talking to these people was a real learning experience for me. It taught me that with determination and resolve, you will be able to achieve anything if you are willing to work hard.

Mr Nur Suhardi Mohamed

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