Meet Tony Lian, the driving force behind Food4U, a charitable initiative dedicated to supporting some of Kuala Lumpur’s most vulnerable communities.
Known fondly as Uncle Tony, the 75-year-old former businessman has been serving those in need since 2015. What began as a modest effort of distributing 300 meals a week has, over the past decade, grown into a mission that now provides nearly 3,000 meals weekly.
We first learned about Uncle Tony through a recent FMT article that struck a chord with Malaysians and quickly gained traction online. The report shed light on a painful reality faced by many abandoned elderly individuals, neglected by their own families, forced to survive by collecting recyclables or relying on the kindness of strangers.
One elderly woman, Helen, a recyclables collector, shared her experience by saying that after her elder brother passed away three years ago, she stopped returning home. She explained that places like these provide her with companionship, especially since many of her friends no longer have family or children.
A 56-year-old man echoed a similar sentiment, revealing that although his children are grown, they no longer care for him. He said he would rather rely on food from the streets than beg his own children for support.
Moved by these stories and Uncle Tony’s unwavering dedication, we reached out to him to learn more about Food4U. During our very first phone conversation, his emotions were evident as he shared a heartfelt appeal for Malaysians to show greater responsibility and care towards their elderly parents.
He emphasised the importance of filial piety, expressing deep concern over how many elderly individuals he helps were abandoned by their own children. For him, raising awareness about this issue is just as important as providing food.
On 20 March, we accompanied Uncle Tony during one of his food distribution sessions. Before retirement, he led a busy life as a businessman. Today, he believes his purpose lies in giving back.
He shared that although he once attended high-profile corporate dinners, the fulfilment he experiences now while helping the needy far outweighs anything he felt during his business years. That day, he personally delivered 300 meals prepared at The Assembly Soup Kitchen in Glenmarie to the Pudu area.
The inspiration behind Food4U, Uncle Tony said, came from his mother. Despite living in poverty and facing financial hardship, she once took in four homeless women, offering them food and shelter. Witnessing her generosity left a lasting impression on him and shaped his belief that kindness does not require wealth.
Food4U began as a family effort, with strong support from his loved ones. His wife, he shared, agreed to his charitable work on one condition, that he takes care of his health, given the physical demands of driving, lifting, and long hours on the road.
One of Food4U’s core principles is inclusivity. Uncle Tony is firm in his belief that aid should be provided without consideration of race, religion, or political affiliation. To him, humanity transcends all labels, and everyone on the streets deserves dignity and compassion.
He has also chosen not to register Food4U as a formal NGO, preferring to keep it independent and free from bureaucratic limitations.
Today, Food4U operates with the help of volunteers beyond Uncle Tony’s family. However, manpower remains one of its greatest challenges, particularly as food distribution takes place during working hours from Monday to Saturday. Still, Uncle Tony remains understanding, acknowledging that not everyone can step away from their commitments.
