Disclaimer: In Real Life is a platform for everyday people to share their experiences and voices. All articles are personal stories and do not necessarily echo In Real Life’s sentiments.
Do you know about this old shoe cobbler who stationed his work between Citibank and Wisma MCA in Jalan Ampang?
He’s a 68-year-old Minangkabau man who has been fixing shoes at this little nook for over 30 years!
As he stays in the same place to do his work, this old uncle shares why he chose to be a shoe cobbler, how he survived, and the simple life he leads that brings him joy.
Here is his story!
The old uncle spoke in Malay to me throughout the entire interview. Some quotes in this article have been translated to fit the content!
[image taken by the author, armani]
“20 years ago, those streets (on the opposite side) wouldn’t have existed. I’ve been here since before many of these buildings were built. It’s the only work that I’m able to do.”
The old uncle was happy to be interviewed and joyfully shared about Kuala Lumpur’s development with me.
The old uncle shared that he used to live in this area. However, since the city started to get more and more developed, he had to move to Jinjang, which was 14km away from where his cobbling work had been stationed.
He takes 2 bus rides every day to get to this area. He explains that these bus rides take him 40 minutes altogether for him to reach his home.
(lord, please protect this man. ) [image taken by the author, armani]
“I wouldn’t be able to do any heavy work. I’ve a weak heart that requires me to eat medicine, so this kind of work fits my condition.”
When asked why he still needs to work, even at his age, the old uncle admits that he does not like sitting quietly at home.
He has eight children, the eldest being 37 years old while his youngest is 28. They’re all aware of his work here, and they’ve tried asking him to quit. They would suggest that he relax at home, but he refuses.
“If I sit at home, I will not move, and that’s not good. I would only sleep all day if I were to stay at home. I don’t want that.”
[image taken by the author, armani]
But, he settled for fixing shoes by the sidewalk 30 years ago. Today, he is still there earning good and honest pay as many Malaysians continue to find him here.
“Biasanya, pakcik minta RM2 sahaja untuk kerja ini. Tapi perlu lihat juga servis yang pakcik kasi. Kalau charge sikit, sikit sangat. Kalau charge banyak, banyak pulak!”
He would charge depending on how much work has been put into fixing the shoe. This would mean his charge could go as low as RM2 and as high as RM10!
When asked why he charged so low, he admits that he wasn’t sure how much he should be set in the first place. He shares his concern about overcharging his customers.
According to him, many would pay more than he’d charge them. He shares his gratitude for being surrounded by these Malaysians and their kindness.
[image taken by the author, armani]
Ultimately, this old uncle is happy to be working and happier to have conversations with those who get their shoes fixed by him.
Know anyone with an interesting story to share? Drop us an email at hello@inreallife.my, and we may feature the story!
For more stories like this, read:
The Story of Uncle Amran, the Man Who Chose to be Homeless in KL
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