“This work may not be glamorous, but it helps keep our community clean.”
 

While many people might hesitate at the thought of working as a garbage collector, 23-year-old Wan Othman Mohd Nur Hasyim sees the job very differently. For the past four years, he has worked as a garbage collector with Alam Flora, embracing a profession that many overlook but one that he takes pride in.

For many, the job is often associated with unpleasant smells and difficult conditions. However, Wan Othman says he has long adapted to these challenges and now views his work as a meaningful responsibility.

When he first started the job in 2021, the experience was not easy. The strong smell of garbage was overwhelming at first. But over time, he grew accustomed to it.

“When I first started, the smell felt like it was stuck in my nose. But after a while, I just got used to it. Now, I don’t even notice it anymore,” he shared when speaking to reporters in Kuantan.

Wan Othman works the night shift, beginning at 9pm and ending at 5am. For him, the demanding schedule is more than just part of the job. It is a way for him to help support his family. His father also works as a cleaner at Alam Flora, and together they share the responsibility of providing for their household.

At just 23, Wan Othman carries a heavy sense of responsibility. He helps support his three younger siblings, aged 12, 15, and 16, who are still in school. To make ends meet, he also works part-time at a restaurant during the day.

While some people may look down on his job, Wan Othman remains unfazed. To him, the work represents dignity, responsibility, and the ability to care for his loved ones.

“Some people may see this as a dirty job, but for me it has brought nothing but positive impact. This is how I support my family,” he said.

Interestingly, Wan Othman explains that the toughest part of his job is not the smell or the long hours. Instead, it is dealing with the attitudes of some residents.

He shared that there are times when people scatter rubbish carelessly outside their homes, making the work even harder. In some cases, residents even accuse garbage collectors of not doing their job properly.

“Some homeowners get angry at us. They say we didn’t collect the garbage properly or they expect us to clean the area in front of their houses,” he explained.

There have even been instances where residents demanded services beyond his responsibilities, such as washing the area in front of their homes. While such encounters can be discouraging, Wan Othman says there are also many moments of kindness that remind him why his work matters.

He fondly recalls residents who show appreciation for the workers who keep their neighbourhoods clean.

“Many people are very kind to us. Sometimes they give us drinks or food while we’re collecting rubbish. Those small gestures mean a lot,” he said.

Looking ahead, Wan Othman hopes to continue building his career with Alam Flora. One of his goals is to eventually become a lorry driver within the company, a step he sees as part of his long-term future.

According to Alam Flora’s Kuantan district operations executive, Khairul Hajrin Khairuddin, Wan Othman is among a group of young employees working in the district. The company currently employs around 154 garbage collectors, aged between 18 and 50.

Khairul explained that the job requires physically strong and energetic workers, which is why the company continues to recruit younger employees, typically up to the age of 35.

Each night, about 24 tonnes of waste are collected in the Kuantan district using three lorries during the night shift. During the day, around 400 tonnes of waste are collected by approximately 50 lorries.

Khairul also noted that in many developed countries, garbage collectors are recognised as essential workers who play a vital role in maintaining public cleanliness and environmental sustainability.

Behind the scenes of every clean neighbourhood are individuals like him, working tirelessly through the night so that others can wake up to a cleaner and healthier environment.

Source / Image Credit : Bernama