Retired lorry driver Yeoh Say Bah, 75, whose selflessness led to him becoming a local hero in Taman Tinggi and the surrounding housing estates, has won kudos from the establishment, too.
Last Saturday, he was presented with a certificate of appreciation from state Women, Family, Community Welfare Development and Housing committee chairman Datuk Rusnah Kassim at the launch of Buntong and Lim Garden’s 3Rs project at Indian Recreation Club in Buntong, Ipoh.
Yeoh also received a basket of organic vegetables, a painting made of recycled materials and a bag of goodies.
Earlier, a video clip was shown of him performing the daily chores he had taken upon himself at the playground and jogging track near his house in Taman Tinggi.
Every morning, from Monday to Friday, weather permitting, he is seen with a cangkul and rack trimming the grass and generally tidying up the place.
The Malaysian Insider reported in July the story of the man whose unusual activities were at first regarded with suspicion and mocked by the neighbours.
One day, more than a year ago, he had decided to trim the grass around the track. While he was at it, he thought, he might as well pick up the litter and make sure that the drains were unclogged.
It became a regular routine. As other senior citizens were taking a morning walk, he was attending to the playground.
In the beginning, everyone thought Yeoh was eccentric. Some ridiculed him and asked whether he was being paid by the city council.
When they realised that he was doing it for the simple pleasure of seeing the place spick and span, they warmed up and become admiring and respectful.
They would often stop to talk with the man, who was always ready for a chat.
A whip-round was even held to to get him a new hoe.
Regarding the presentation, the modest Yeoh said he had been reluctant but was persuaded to attend when told that he would serve to inspire the people he met.
“I hope I can inspire them to also keep the neighbourhood clean and tidy,” he said.
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