“He Calls Him Atok” Malay Family Emotional as Beloved Chinese Neighbour Moves to Seremban

Malaysians, regardless of our background, love each other. We enjoy each other's culture and traditions and even celebrate each other's festivities. And that is what makes us unique.

Photo via Facebook (N9 RADAR)

Recently, a family shared a story online that showed this spirit of care and friendship. Kak Umie took to the N9 RADAR Facebook page to tell how her family, including her young son Rayden, had grown close to their neighbour, Ah Meng.

“Ah Meng has always been there for us. If we had car troubles, he would check for us because he used to be a mechanic and never asked for a single cent. My husband and I would just treat him to meals,” she wrote.

Rayden also adored him. “He calls Ah Meng ‘Atok’ and asks to be carried. During Chinese New Year, Ah Meng always brings us limes and red packets. Since Rayden was born, he has been giving us baby essentials and says, ‘give them to my grandson.’”

The happy routine came to an end when Kak Umie heard the rumble of a moving lorry on their street.

“I could not believe it when my husband told me Ah Meng was moving to Seremban. I rushed to his house and asked, ‘Is this true, Meng?’ He said quietly, ‘Yes, I’m moving.’ I could not hold back my tears,” she shared.

She remembered the small everyday gestures that had made life brighter, like how he would open and close the house gate whenever she drove in or out. “A simple kindness, but it meant so much. We will always remember Ah Meng and wish him success in his Mee Celup business,” she concluded.

This story reminds us how small acts of kindness and neighbourly care can leave lasting memories and strengthen the bonds in our community.