The world of Tzu Chi January 2021 (Vol.130)

TZU CHI 130 23 nimble.” He is indeed a living proof of the saying, “When God closes a door, He opens a window.” Chee Ming lost his eyesight in a work accident when he was 26. He had no choice but to go to the Gurney Training Centre for the Blind (GTC), Brickfields, to learn massage techniques, and sell snacks to make ends meet. Later, he met his wife, and together, they had two sons. His eldest son has completed his degree and holds a stable job. His wife also does some simple packaging work at home to ease the family’s financial burden. Life disrupted by the pandemic When life was supposed to get easier for Chee Ming as both his children were grown up, the pandemic hit and disrupted their lives. He revealed that he could earn at least RM2,000 a month 20 to 30 years back. But, due to increasing number of masseurs in themarket and customers’ preference for younger and stronger masseurs, he lost some customers, reducing his income to an average of RM900 monthly. This went to zero for four consecutive months after the MCO was implemented in March 2020. Thus, the family’s livelihood fell on the eldest son. In addition to the RM700 monthly rental, the son was also responsible for meeting the family’s daily expenses. “I’m thankful that during the pandemic, everyone was helping. We received help from benevolent individuals or charity groups who distributed lunch boxes and dried food. We have at least enough food.” After businesses resumed in July, some customers still had concerns about the close body contact. As a result, Chee Ming’s income was halved. During this period, his wife learned about the relief programme from the newspaper and immediately asked her eldest son to apply online. Hence, the family was connected to Tzu Chi. Chee Ming spent all of the Tzu Chi relief aid on living expenses, which helped ease the family’s burden. Although it was a short three- month assistance and care, it was memorable for the couple. Chee Ming said, “It’s not about the amount of money, but the sincere care. I’m thankful that Tzu Chi noticed people with disabilities around Brickfields and came to their aid. I’m truly delighted. I feel Master Cheng Yen is like Mother Teresa of the East. I’m sincerely grateful to her.” With gratitude, the couple also desired to give back to community. They would save their small change into a bamboo bank. In the second half of 2020, the pandemic worsened in Malaysia. Although Chee Ming’s income was still affected, he deserves praise for bravely fending for himself with an open heart. Whenever a customer made an appointment, he would provide house call service. To some extent, this increased his risk of infection. But he said, “To subsist, I can’t be afraid. I can’t keep counting on Tzu Chi’s subsidies. I have to find a living on my own. The market is in the doldrums and many restaurants have closed down. I have to work harder.” Volunteers continued to care for the family after the relief programme had ended. Mrs. Yap revealed, “There is a kind-hearted person who is willing to provide lunch for the visually impaired in this area. Occasionally, other groups came by to provide dinner. So, there is no problem with food.” Chee Ming never backs down from any challenges. He believes in karma and knows how to be grateful. The volunteers’ care and companionship make them feel that they are no longer the forgotten group in society. Kita 1 Keluarga, We Are One Family