Council workers honoured for keeping Penang clean, come rain or shine
GEORGE TOWN: Braving downpours or the blazing heat is all in a day’s work for Penang Island City Council (MBPP) labourer K. Nirmal.
On top of that, he has to deal with roadside hazards such as vehicles speeding by closely as he sweeps the roadsides.
He recalls incidents when passing cars even hit his shoulders and hands.
“It’s frightening but that’s part of the job. Lucky for me, I have suffered only aches and pains, nothing too serious,” he said.
Nirmal, 41, started out as a truck driver fresh from school. His parents coaxed him into joining the local council because of job stability.
“They wanted something secure for me, so I joined and have never looked back,” said Nirmal, who has clocked 21 years with the council.
Besides sweeping roadsides, he also cleans the local market by picking up rubbish, clearing drains and cleaning fans and ceilings.
“The young shy away from this kind of dirty work. But I make an honest living. It matters to me that things are kept clean,” he said.
Despite the physical demands and daily risks, he has no plans to change course.
“I plan to stick with it till retirement,” he said after being recognised with a Pingat Jasa Masyarakat (PJM) award in conjunction with the 84th birthday celebration of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib here yesterday.
Nirmal was among nine workers from MBPP and Seberang Perai City Council honoured for their service in the 3D (difficult, dangerous and dirty) sector.
While Nirmal and seven others received the PJM, MBPP cleaner Omar Shariff Abdul Salam, 55, got the Pingat Jasa Kebaktian award.
Omar Shariff said it was a special moment in his 26 years of cleaning drains and sweeping the streets.
With five years to go before retirement, Omar Shariff has pledged to give it his best.
“With this job, I have been able to educate both my children who are completing their studies,” he added.
Meanwhile, badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei, who was conferred the Darjah Gemilang Pangkuan Negeri, which carries the title Datuk Seri, said he was grateful and motivated to give his best to the sport.
“I thank the state government for awarding me again with a title. I am grateful to Penang for encouraging me over the years,” the Penangite said after the ceremony held at Dewan Sri Pinang.
The three-time Olympic silver medallist retired in 2019 after a career spanning 19 years.
While acknowledging that the current performance of the national men’s singles shuttlers was concerning, Lee said the squad would bounce back with the right guidance and support.
