"I'm Not Ashamed" — 25-Year-Old M'sian Earns RM8,000 As A Cleaner In Singapore
He commutes daily from Gelang Patah, Johor to Singapore.
By May Vin Ang — 06 Sep 2024, 03:39 PM
A 25-year-old Malaysian has found contentment in working as a cleaner in Singapore despite his initial worries of others looking down on his job
Despite the stigma, Shahril Nizam Suhaimi shares a lot about his experience of working across the causeway on TikTok, where his posts have gained significant attention.
One of his recent posts has garnered over one million views and much praise from fellow Malaysians.
Shahril has been working in Singapore for nearly three years, and commutes daily from Gelang Patah, Johor
He initially took up a job in Singapore as a restaurant assistant to save money for his wedding.
"I previously ran a food business [in Malaysia], but it didn't work out, so I decided to try my luck in Singapore, where my sister-in-law also works. I worked in a restaurant before quitting and searched for various jobs without success. After being unemployed for three to four months, I was offered a job as a cleaner.
"At first, I felt embarrassed because of the stigma attached to this job, especially since I'm still young. But I saw it as the best opportunity for me, and I've since embraced it, especially since the pay is quite good," Shahril told Harian Metro.
The young Malaysian enjoys documenting his day on TikTok, although he admits to receiving judgemental comments
"Some say, 'Oh, he's just a cleaner', but when they find out I work in Singapore, they start asking about job openings.
"Others question why I haven't looked for a different job or a government position, but as long as my income is halal, I don't mind," he said.
On TikTok, Shahril shares that he typically leaves for Singapore at 5am every day, eats breakfast and lunch his wife packs for him, and finishes work at 4pm, sometimes working overtime until 7pm.
He works in an office building and his responsibilities involve cleaning, tidying, and maintaining the office spaces, toilets, pantry, gym, and staircases.
"The people here have never looked down on me. They always share food, give tips, and will always greet me," he said.
The father of one added that due to financial constraints preventing him from furthering his studies after SPM, he is grateful for the opportunity to support his family
"I'm not ashamed of my job, and although cleaners here are paid according to their qualifications, I'm paid SGD2,400 (approximately RM8,000), including overtime.
"I'm neither rich nor poor, but Alhamdullilah, it's enough to support my wife, my child, and me," he said.
