I was in the coastal town of Tawau in East Malaysia last week. After completing our task and as we headed back to the Airport, my colleagues stopped over at the market. I stayed back with my boss and the driver, while the rests of my friends "invaded" the fish market. Upon returning after close to an hour, I could not fail but notice little children with them. These children each had a box and unloaded them into our vehicle. They had volunteered to carry the purchases to the van for a small fee. This is how these children spent their days helping their parents make some extra money. They were a care-free, cheerful lot.
My friends not satisfied with the purchases headed for the dry market with the pack of children escorting them. As it was the vegetable and sundry market I followed them. As my friends made purchases and I stood watching the antics of these joyful children, one child asked if I was a "Tamil" in her native language, "Pakcik Tamil, ya?" That took me by surprise as not many Malaysians of Indian origin drop by at Tawau, how did she recognized me as one, and I had not spoke until then.
Later as we headed for the parked vehicle, my friends handed some small change to these children for helping out. One of my friends who visits East Malaysia often, asked that these children pose for a photo which they willingly did. I took a RM10 note and passed it to one of the kids and stepped into the van. I took my seat right at the back of the van. My friends too took their places as the driver was "stuffing" all the purchases into wherever space he could find in the van. Suddenly, the girl who had asked me if I was "Tamil" stepped into the van, walked up to the back row, took hold of my right hand and gave a peck on it, saying, "Terima Kasih Pakcik Tamil" that translates to "Thank You Tamil Uncle" and hurriedly got of the van. I was taken by surprise. The whole lot followed the van cheering and waving and bidding us farewell until we lost sight of them. I saw them share the collection among them as the van came out of the parking lot onto the streets.
That moment I saw the gratitude in these children although what we gave was not much. That kid who kissed my hand "touched" me that day. Thanks to her my colleagues call me Pakcik Tamil too!
Later as we headed for the parked vehicle, my friends handed some small change to these children for helping out. One of my friends who visits East Malaysia often, asked that these children pose for a photo which they willingly did. I took a RM10 note and passed it to one of the kids and stepped into the van. I took my seat right at the back of the van. My friends too took their places as the driver was "stuffing" all the purchases into wherever space he could find in the van. Suddenly, the girl who had asked me if I was "Tamil" stepped into the van, walked up to the back row, took hold of my right hand and gave a peck on it, saying, "Terima Kasih Pakcik Tamil" that translates to "Thank You Tamil Uncle" and hurriedly got of the van. I was taken by surprise. The whole lot followed the van cheering and waving and bidding us farewell until we lost sight of them. I saw them share the collection among them as the van came out of the parking lot onto the streets.
That moment I saw the gratitude in these children although what we gave was not much. That kid who kissed my hand "touched" me that day. Thanks to her my colleagues call me Pakcik Tamil too!
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| The little kid who "touched" me is in the front row, on the right. |
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| Children of Tawau up to their usual mischief |