Malaysians are known for their hospitality, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Whether it's offering directions to a lost traveller or sharing a meal with someone who is struggling, the kindness and generosity of Malaysians often shine through in the most unexpected ways.
One such act of compassion was recently shared by Mike Tan, a food vendor from Penang, who is being praised for his empathy towards a man in need.
Photo via Facebook (Mike Tan)
On January 13, Mike took to his Facebook page to recount how a man, who appeared to be going through a tough time, approached him at his stall. The man, an Indian national, asked if he could pay for his meal the following day, explaining that he was currently without a job.
In his post, Mike recalled the man’s words: “Boss, please don’t be angry at me. Can I please pay tomorrow? I don’t have a job right now.”
Instead of turning the man away or refusing his request, Mike responded with kindness and understanding. Without hesitation, he invited the man to sit down and prepared a bowl of noodles for him.
Mike explained, “It’s not easy for many people these days, and it takes a certain amount of courage for him to ask to make payment tomorrow. All I can give him is a meal to keep him full.”
In a world where many are preoccupied with luxury goods and material possessions, Mike’s act of kindness serves as a reminder of what truly matters – compassion and humanity. He reflected on how, while some are concerned with which car to buy, others are simply wondering if they will have enough to eat.
“You, who are lucky, may be worrying about which car to buy. The unlucky may be worrying about whether they have enough to eat today,” Mike wrote in his post.
今早有一個印裔朋友走來檔口然後跟我說… ‘boss jangan marah…boleh saya bayar esok? Saya tak ada kerja sekarang…’ 我二話不說的叫他去坐下, 然後就做了一碗麵給他吃… 這年頭其實對很多人都不容易…他這樣開口要求明天付錢也需要一定的勇氣…而我能給他的也就只是這一餐的溫飽. ‘幸福的你或許正煩惱要買哪一台寶馬…不幸的人或許正煩惱今天吃得飽嗎?’
Posted by Mike Tan on Sunday 12 January 2025
Mike’s final message was a hopeful one: “Good people will have a peaceful life.” He ended by emphasising that even something as simple as a bowl of noodles could make a world of difference to someone in need.
Mike, your kindness is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing this beautiful act of generosity.
