As we celebrate Hari Raya again in 2022, many low-wage workers were forced to go out and work, including their children, just so they could provide food for their families.
Malaysian, Ernest Ong shared on his Facebook page of a little boy he found manning a vegetable stall all alone in TTDI during Hari Raya.
Photo via Facbook (Ernest Ong)
“For the past few days, I noticed this little boy sleeping under the table and looking after the vegetable stall without any adult supervision. I was driving home at 5 pm today and saw him sleeping under a tree. I parked and went to speak to him to check what was going on. If only I could help…” his caption reads.
After talking to the young boy, he found out that his name is Ikhwan and he is 10-years-old. His father works at Pasar Selayang while his mother is looking after his baby sibling at home.
He also said that his parents usually pick him up at night.
Ernest noticed that he doesn’t have any food. Ikhwan told him that he only ate breakfast and was very hungry.
When asked what he wanted to makan, he told Ernest that he would like some chicken and white rice. The boy was then asked to wait while Ernest went to find him the food, but unfortunately, most shops were closed as it was Hari Raya, so he bought the little boy McDonald’s instead.
“I brought him the food and sat with him for a little while.
“I really don’t know what was going on as I didn’t get to speak to his parents. They may be going through a rough time. But for a 10-year-old to be spending Hari Raya at a cross junction trying to sell vegetables without anyone buying at all today is heartbreaking,” he wrote.
For the past few days I noticed this little boy that have been sleeping under the table and mending the vegetable stall...
Posted by Ernest Ong on Tuesday, May 3, 2022
He has since urged others in the area to show their support for the little boy.
It’s the least we could do as Malaysians to put a smile on his face this Hari Raya.
Thank you Earnest for your kindness, and for sharing Ikhwan’s story with us. Hopefully, responsible authorities will take action ASAP to help this family!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
