Kaki Tambaks Who Protects Singapore

Malaysians used to dominate the non-executive or blue collar level in the manufacturing, construction, shipyard, logistic, F&B and retail sectors. In the last 5 years however, their positions have been seriously under threat by Indian nationals and even more so by Chinese nationals (sometimes called Chinerians).

The security guard and auxiliary police sectors in Singapore are maybe the only area where Malaysians still have some foothold. Well maybe, for the upper spectrum only. In the security sectors, Malaysians are employed for their trustworthiness and English communication ability. Since many Malaysian Indians can communicate very well in English, they are widely employed as security guards in major hotels and buildings.

For the lower spectrum of the security guard industry - most of them are Thais, Burmese or financially challenged Singaporeans. Malaysian wages are too high at this level.

One month ago, I met a lady kaki tambak who actually lives in a taman next to mine. She is working as a security guard in downtown Singapore. After she related her daily struggles working in Singapore to me, I totally take my hat off for her.

To get to work she would tumpang van kilang from her home at 4:30am. Upon reaching Singapore at 6am , she would take other mode of transport downtown.

She then works dayshift from 8am to 8pm. After clocking out at 8pm, she would walk 10mins City Hall and then take MRT to Jurong East. She would reach Jurong East around 9pm, where she would then take bus CW3 home. If things go smoothly, she would probably reach home around 10.30pm.

She barely have enough time to sleep at home, before starting a new day at 4am. Sleeping during the journey to work would also be very difficult for her, because she has to keep on switching between buses, trains and walking.

I forgot to ask how many days she works per week. But the norm for security guards is 1 day off for every 2 weeks of work. There are lucky ones who work only 6 days per week.

Some may draw comparison of her plight with kaki tambak factory operators. But her situation is noticeably different in certain areas. Though her work is not as fast paced as those in factories, the traveling for factory operators are easier compare to hers.

In conclusion it is her daily traveling that arduously stands out than most of the kaki tambaks I know. Not even a tough nut kaki tambak like me can match her efforts in this area.

Sad to say, I have not bumped into her for the past 2 weeks. The last time I saw her, she was very tired. Not sure whether her exertion has finally taken a toll.

Regards,

Kaki Tambak

Note : CW3 is a JB-Singapore bus service that uses the 2nd link instead of the old causeway. It serves between Jurong East and JB(Gelang Patah, Bukit Indah and Tun Aminah).