"I Stay Because My Parents Need Me": The Story of Security Guard Uncle Jiva

"My salary may not be high, but it's enough for me to support my family. I stay in this job because I want to be close to my parents and take care of them as they grow older."

Those are the heartfelt words of L. Jivanesan, 39, affectionately known as Uncle Jiva, who has been serving as a security guard at Pahang Matriculation College in Gambang, Kuantan, for the past 23 years.

Recently, Uncle Jiva has gained attention on TikTok, where he shares safety tips and important updates that benefit not only students but also their parents. His friendly personality and helpful content have earned him the admiration of many, with countless netizens expressing their appreciation for his dedication.

Uncle Jiva left school after Form Three and began searching for work to help support his family. He initially applied to become a security guard at the college but was unsuccessful because there were no vacancies. He persisted, applied again when a position became available and was eventually hired.

He started with a monthly salary of RM450 as a security guard before being promoted to team leader the following year.

@jivanesanjiva Selamat jalan semua adik2 tersayang . Semoga kalian semua berjaya nanti . Jumpa lagi ❤️🫰#jivasecurity #kmph #kolejmatrikulasipahang #jivasecurity #kmph ♬ original sound - Jiva

"I never imagined becoming a security guard because it's a stressful job. You meet people from all walks of life, and not everyone treats you kindly. But I kept going because I wanted to earn an honest living. No matter how people treat me, I always try to treat them with kindness," he said.

Although he once received an offer to work in Singapore for a much higher salary, Uncle Jiva chose to remain in Malaysia.

His decision was driven by his family. His mother is living with diabetes, while his father is elderly, and he wanted to stay close to care for them.

"Some people may think this is an ordinary job, but it comes with great responsibility. It has its challenges, but it's also rewarding because I get to meet and help so many different people.

"Some have looked down on my job, but I always remember my parents' advice to work sincerely if you want your income to be blessed. This isn't a job that makes you rich, and there are days when I only get one to five hours of sleep because of shift work," he shared.

Working alternating shifts beginning at 8am or 8pm, Uncle Jiva has built close relationships with students over the years.

"I treat the students like my own children. They're the ones who encouraged me to start creating videos on TikTok. I've never had any problems with them. In fact, many former students still return to visit me, and some have even started families of their own."

Throughout his career, Uncle Jiva has also received recognition for his dedication, including an award from the college after helping to apprehend a thief on campus.

As long as he remains healthy, he hopes to continue serving as a security guard, a profession that has become part of who he is.

"To anyone interested in this line of work, don't be ashamed. Do your job sincerely. And to everyone else, please don't look down on jobs like mine. If there were no security guards, who would do this work?”

"Every job has its role to play. No work is meaningless as long as it benefits others."

For Uncle Jiva, true success isn't measured by the size of a paycheck, but by the lives he touches, the family he cares for and the purpose he finds in serving others every day.

Source : Hmetro  , jivanesanjiva