Mdm Saroja d/o Marimuthu, a 74-year-old cleaner at Ang Mo Kio Town Council, draws on her experience as a cleaning supervisor at a condominium to excel in her current role. Beginning her workday at 7am and concluding at noon from Monday to Saturday, she diligently clears rubbish, sweeps floors, and cleans lifts across three blocks under her care. 

Her expertise is evident as she manages her tasks efficiently, ensuring the cleanliness and hygiene of the premises. “I'll get my supervisor to help me carry bulky items that are left in the void deck,” she said, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining a clean environment for residents.

Outside of work, Mdm Saroja, who has high blood pressure and cholesterol, remains active and engaged. She frequents the active ageing centre near her home, where she participates in various exercises to stay fit and healthy. "I will do some stretching, cardiovascular exercises, and use the gym equipment. It is important to stay active and maintain a balanced lifestyle,” she said. 

Despite the physical demands of her job, she takes great pride in her work as a cleaner. "I’m happy that I'm keeping the environment clean and healthy for residents to live in,” she said with a smile. “The residents are also very friendly and will ask about my well-being if they see that I have not come to work.”

Home away from home

Mr Shaid Shahidullsa, a 30-year-old cleaning supervisor who arrived in Singapore more than a decade ago, initially found the physical demands of his job challenging. "My whole body would ache after work, but thanks to my boss, who taught me how to do the job properly, I got used to it after a month,” he recalled. Today, he takes pride in his role and oversees the cleaning operations at Ang Mo Kio Town Council with a sense of accomplishment and dedication.

He works tirelessly from 7am to 7pm daily, rarely taking a day off, as he wants to earn more money to support his family in Bangladesh. When he's not working, he will keep himself occupied. He said: "I like to go to Mustafa Shopping Centre in Little India to buy food and clothes, or to meet up with my friends.”

Mr Shaid said what he missed most about home was his mother's cooking. "Being away from home and not being able to eat Mum’s cooking, I learnt how to cook fish briyani and chicken curry to alleviate my homesickness. I used to watch her cooking when I was in primary school,” he said. 

During Ramadan, some residents prepare dinner for him to break his fast. “I’m happy that they treat me like family,” he said. Aside from the warmth and love he has received from the residents, he is also grateful for the opportunity to upgrade his skills. “The Town Council has sent me to safety courses on high-rise cleaning and chemical cleaning. I learnt how to wear a safety harness and how to use different chemicals for cleaning.”

His journey highlights resilience and the ability to overcome initial hardships, embodying the spirit of perseverance often found in those who work tirelessly behind the scenes.

To all our workers, Ang Mo Kio Town Council wishes you a Happy Labour Day. Thank you for your hard work, dedication and contribution to our community!

[Chinese]

清洁工萨罗加（Saroja d/o Marimuthu）和赛义德（Shaid Shahidullsa）工作时尽职尽责，努力维持社区邻里的清洁与安全。他们在工余时间，不忘追求自己的兴趣爱好。萨罗加会到住家附近的乐龄活跃中心锻炼身体，保持健康活跃，而赛义德则喜欢到慕斯达法购物中心买东西或与朋友聚会，以及烹煮家乡美食解乡愁。

[Malay]

Pekerja-pekerja penyelenggaraan kita, Cik Saroja a/p Marimuthu dan Encik Shaid Shahidullsa, bekerja keras untuk memastikan estet kita bersih dan selamat. Di luar waktu kerja, Cik Saroja menyertai berbagai senaman di pusat penuaan aktif untuk kekal aktif dan terhubung, sementara Encik Shaid suka ke Pusat Membeli-belah Mustafa untuk membeli makanan dan pakaian atau berjumpa dengan teman-temannya.

[Tamil]

நமது பராமரிப்புப்பணி ஊழியர்களான திருவாட்டி சரோஜா த/பெ மாரிமுத்துவும் திரு ஷயித் ஷஹிதுல்சாவும் நமது குடியிருப்புப் பேட்டைகளைத் தூய்மையாகவும் பாதுகாப்பாகவும் வைத்திருக்க அயராது உழைக்கின்றனர். வேலை நேரத்திற்குப் பிறகு, திருவாட்டி சரோஜா துடிப்பான முதுமைக்கால நிலையத்திற்குச் சென்று பல்வேறு உடற்பயிற்சிகளில் பங்கேற்று சுறுசுறுப்பாக இருக்கிறார். திரு ஷயித்துக்கு முஸ்தபா கடைத்தொகுதிக்குச் சென்று உணவும் உடையும் வாங்குவது அல்லது நண்பர்களைச் சந்திப்பது மிகவும் பிடிக்கும். 

#AMKTCStories