Street Sweeper Receives State Honour For Her Service

Working as a street sweeper, Chan Mun Thye never imagined she would ever be appreciated, much less receive a state award.

But on 14th January 2019, she proudly walked into the Istana Besar Seri Menanti to receive the Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (PJK) in conjunction with the 71st birthday celebrations of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir.

Chan, 60, has been working in the City Centre Road Sweeper Unit of SWM Environment Sdn Bhd (SWM) for 16 years. Chan said her supervisor had recently asked her for a photograph but did not tell her it was for a state award.

Chan (centre) with Anthony Loke (left) and Teo Kok Seong (right) after the ceremony. Source: New Straits Times

She said “I gave it, not suspecting anything because I thought it was for my retirement which was from 4 January 2019. Not long after that, I received a letter saying I will be getting the Pingat Jasa Kebaktian. I was so touched, and at the same time, very happy.”

"I'm just a street sweeper, I never imagined that I could receive an award for that," Chan was quoted as saying by Sin Chew Daily.

Chan said she was grateful to SWM, Tuanku Muhriz and the state government for giving her the award. The mother of four said, even though she retired early in January, her employment had been continued on a contract basis as she wanted to serve the company for as long as she could work.

She said she will continue to work again after Chinese New Year. According to her, she loves her work “because it is not hard to ensure the cleanliness of a place.”

Chan Mun Thye received an award from Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir. Source: Sin Chew Daily

Meanwhile, chairman of the state Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Committee Teo Kok Seong said the award was given by the state government as a mark of appreciation. Two other SWM employees, machinery operators Abd Kadir Abd Ghani and Shaik Dawood AASM Shaik Mohamed will also receive the same award at subsequent investiture ceremonies.

“This clear proves whatever one’s job, if it is clear that they have contributed to the state, then they are eligible for the award,“ Teo said.

 

 

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