For those who frequently pass the Tiara Golf and Country Club in Ayer Keroh, Malacca, they may have noticed 66-year-old Jaapar Leman and his wife.
Jaapar, a former soldier has been selling used golf balls at a road shoulder there for the last 25 years.
“This is my only source of income … what else can I do at this age?”
Despite the Movement Control Order (MCO), he remains determined to continue with his business along with his wife, Arniza Mokhtar, 46, who is a less-abled person.
He said his wife was the source of his determination as he needs to continue working to look after her.
“The Covid-19 period has been the hardest. I only sold one packet of golf balls for RM30 last month.
“At least I got some money for us,” he said as reported by Harian Metro.
Despite knowing no sports activities are allowed under the MCO, which means there will be no customers needing his used golf balls, Jaapar insists on continuing with his trade. He said his interest in the trade keeps him going.
“I leave with my wife at 8am daily and remain open till evening,” he said.
He said they would pack some rice to sustain throughout the day while they wait for potential customers.
“We are thankful for we have not run out of food during these trying times, as even eating rice with plain ‘sambal’ is enough for us,” he said.
Jaapar, who had served in the army for seven years before leaving said that as long as he has the capability, he would try to earn his own income as he has bills to pay, including rent.
“Only my wife receives monthly assistance from the Welfare Department. That helps as it eases our burden. Praise be to Allah, recently we received food basket assistance.
“My son has also been helping me in my business, given that my wife is not so healthy and I need to take care of her.”
He also admitted his business picked up a bit recently when many people stopped by his stall.
“Thankfully, there will be more sustenance for us when a lot of these packets are sold,” he said.
So, for those travelling along that area, be sure to lend a helping hand and stop to buy some golf balls.
Image by: NST
