[VIDEO] 60-Year-Old Ex-Taxi Driver Shares His Struggles After Losing His Job
"To me, joy is having financial freedom."
Published for foodpanda, 11 Aug 2021, 10:04 AM
During these difficult times, many Malaysians are facing hardships in terms of financial struggles and loss of income
It can be disheartening to see news of the rakyat suffering due to the current situation we are in. From losing their jobs, to struggling to provide for their families, there are many challenges they have to face.
That's why it's important for us to look out for one another and lend a hand to those in need. We have seen many ways Malaysians have stepped up to help, via #kitajagakita or the bendera putih initiatives. It is inspiring to see how empathetic Malaysians are towards each other's plights.
Together with foodpanda, the Joy Squad, consisting of Brenda, Ceddy, and Ili, have taken it upon themselves to lend a hand to 60-year-old Uncle Jacob, who lost his job during the first MCO
Through a virtual interview, the Joy Squad got to know Uncle Jacob, and were able to fully understand the hardships he is currently going through. Then, they came together to spread some joy to the sweet old man, awww!
Watch the full video below to see what went down:
Uncle Jacob starts off by telling the Joy Squad that he actually lost his job in March last year, and has been struggling to find a new one since
Uncle Jacob: "Before, I was doing quite okay la. But after the MCO started, everything stopped in my daily life. The business all went down, and then we have to adjust to what has changed. So now, I lost my income, everything, trying to survive."
The Joy Squad learns that he has been forced to use his own savings to buy his daily food and essentials. He hopes the MCO does not prolong, as he thinks many Malaysians will suffer as a result.
Ceddy: "Uncle, everyday what do you makan? What is your source of food?"
Uncle Jacob: "Luckily, I've got some savings left that can stretch me long."
Ili: "That's good."
Uncle Jacob: "After this finishes, I got problems again. Hope it does not prolong, this lockdown. If it does, then everybody — not only me — will suffer."
With no source of income and forced to survive on his savings, Uncle Jacob's living conditions were less than ideal :(
Voiceover: "Uncle Jacob was once a taxi driver before the pandemic, and has since has lost his source of income, and he's currently living off his limited savings."
Like many Malaysians, Uncle Jacob finds that being cooped up at home alone has cause him to overthink and worry
Brenda: "Being cooped up at home, has it affected you mentally?"
Uncle Jacob: "Sometimes I feel... not depressed, but sometimes your mind keeps thinking of other things."
At the end of the interview, the Joy Squad reveals that they're going to send him some essentials such as food and medical supplies via foodpanda!
Ili: "Actually! The Joy Squad wants to help you by sending you some provisions and essentials! Okay or not?"
Uncle Jacob: "Oh okay, thank you, thank you. Very good, very good. I appreciate that."
But wait, that's not all they're doing! Uncle Jacob will also be receiving some electrical appliances and basic furniture to spruce up his living conditions :')
We can see that even the simplest actions such as sending food someone's way, providing basic essentials, and even emotional support goes a long way in helping others get back on their feet. By spreading joy to people like Uncle Jacob, it shows that an act of kindness will give them hope that things will eventually get better, no matter how hard things get.
A huuuuge thank you to the Joy Squad as well as foodpanda for helping ease Uncle Jacob's hardships! <3 Remember to stay tuned for more updates on Uncle Jacob's situation.
