KOTA TINGGI: For 56-year-old Moses Abraham, the decision to swap a high-paying job as a long-haul trailer driver for a more modest role in public sanitisation was driven by one thing – family.
He said working in the logistics sector required him to spend long hours on the road, taking him away from his loved ones.
“This made me reconsider my priorities after starting my family more than 20 years ago. I wanted to be present and watch my three children grow up.
“So I decided to join my wife S. Tanggam in the public hygiene sector where she was already working as a street sweeper until today,” he said in an interview.
Drawing on his previous experience, Moses took on various roles over the years at waste management concessionaire SWM Environment, including operating trash compactor trucks.
“Currently, I operate a 15-tonne roll-on roll-off lorry and manage market waste and assist in bulk waste collection in the Kota Tinggi area.
“Although I faced many challenges along the way, including feeling frustrated about people’s lack of good hygiene practices, I have no regrets about my career change as I got to be with my family,” said Moses.
His wife Tanggam, 48, who has been working as a street sweeper for 23 years, said it was not difficult to convince him to switch jobs due to his family-focused nature.
“I remember feeling relieved as my husband agreed when I advised him to consider joining me so we could work and raise our children together.
“Two of our children are now working, while our youngest is still in school,” she added.
The couple’s day usually starts at 6.30am, and they take turns preparing their children for school before clocking in at work.
From there, Moses begins his route as a waste collection driver, while Tanggam carries out sweeping in commercial areas such as Taman Kota Jaya and Kota Besar.
“It is common to see people throwing rubbish out of their cars despite having bins nearby,” Tanggam said.
The couple’s long service was recognised recently in conjunction with Global Cleaner’s Day, celebrated annually on June 17.
SWM Environment corporate general manager Mohd Norlisam Mohd Nordin said the day honours contributions of sanitation workers at all levels, especially those with long years of service.
“We hold the celebration annually to appreciate the crucial role played by sanitation workers in maintaining a clean environment, promoting sustainability and safeguarding public well-being,” he added.
