KOTA KINABALU: “Jack” came out from under a big table when the market vendor called for his service to carry grocery bags for customers.
The 12-year-old kept his eyes fixed on the floor as he followed a stranger around the market, without considering any danger that might befall him.
When asked about his service fee, he said it was up to the customers, but he usually received RM2 regardless of the weight he carried.
“On average, I earn around RM30 per day for working from 3am to 5pm,” he said, adding that his father also does odd jobs in the city.
Jack said that he would eat once at the market and again at home. Apart from that, he also needs to pay RM6 for a return boat ride from Gaya Island near here.
The third of five siblings also pays RM5 daily for a smartphone they bought from a retail shop, which is shared by the whole family.
“I have about 20 other friends who do the same work as me. Therefore, I do not feel alone.
“However, we need to be careful with adults in certain areas of the city who try to extort money from us,” he said, adding that the kids at the central market are not among those who beg for money from the public.
Jack was once rescued by the authorities, where he learned how to live within the community and understood that one should earn money by putting in effort.
“I also know that the authorities would not be happy if they saw us sniffing glue, fighting on the street, or causing chaos.”
The child has been working at the market since he was eight years old.
He said he had missed the Covid-19 mass vaccination on the island as he was at the central market that day.
“I am not sure if I ever received any other vaccinations. When I am sick, I just rest at home.
“As for education, maybe one day, when I return to my country, I will have the chance to study like others,” said the boy, who can speak fluent Malay , do basic reading and arithmetic.
Ends.
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