NOTHING but the chirping crickets, gushing winds and dogs barking could be heard amid the night where Selvarajah made his living.
The 70-year-old security guard sits on his old and worn-out wooden chair; tirelessly keeping his guard up to protect the neighbourhood till dawn during the residents' slumber.
The former government official doesn’t talk as fast as he used to. Words get slower with every sentence spoken, yet his mind is still sharp enough to discern the type of visitors that passes through.
It's 12 years after his retirement as an officer in Majlis Perbandaran Petaling Jaya (MPBJ). Venturing into this new career, he makes his way back and forth from Old Klang Road-Petaling Jaya with his motorcycle to carry out his duty every day.
Selva’s daily task includes recording events that happen at night in the small neighbourhood, being aware of any unusual activity and keeping the gates open and closed at night. He starts his shift at 9pm and usually reaches home by 8am.
His typical morning would usually be spent tending to his small garden and going to the market. The rest of the day is mostly for him to sleep and recharge his energy for his shifts at night.
With his wife, his grandson and daughter in tow, he has had to shoulder the responsibility of bringing food to the table.
At this point in life, with just a pension of RM800, a limited skill set and the lack of government support, he was left with not much choice but to rely on this strenuous job. – The Vibes, October 16, 2021
