KUALA TERENGGANU: Lorry driver Muthu Ramu has no qualms braving the stormy north-easterly monsoon and even wild animals, to deliver fresh vegetables.
Muthu, 31, plays a a pivotal role by driving a three-tonne lorry from Cameron Highlands in Pahang to Kuala Terengganu, to make the 400km delivery twice a week.
He is part of the dozens of dedicated suppliers who - come rain, storm or shine - bring in a variety of food items, from all over the country for the benefit of the east coast peninsula state residents.
The typical eight-hour journey begins from Ringlet at 10pm and ends in Kuala Terengganu at 6pm, every Wednesday and Saturday.
The route via Gua Musang, past Felda Aring, Sungai Tong and the Tasik Kenyir trunk road is not only dark and lonely but treacherous with adverse weather and wild animals.
“There are all sorts of wild animals that pass the road, from wild boar, snakes, elephants and even tigers. When I encounter this situation, I slow down and let the animals just pass by.
“However, there was one instance when a female elephant leading a herd, just refused to budge. I was held up for 40 minutes before it finally moved on,” said Muthu, who makes one stop for a short rest at Gua Musang.
Fortunately, keeping Muthu company is his co-driver Sasi Chandran, 22, who ensures their journey is safe by taking turns to handle the wheel.
“This monsoon season is even more challenging as heavy downpour, fog and low clouds reduce visibility. Then, there are uprooted trees, landslides and flooded terrain for us to watch out for,” said Muthu.
When lethargic, Muthu said he would pull over to take a break, wash his face and sip some coffee.
“Safety is utmost on my mind. Besides, I do not want to disappoint my employers with any accidents and non-delivery of our cargo,” said Muthu.
The duo have been working for Varma Brothers the past three years.
“The job is challenging but satisfactory as our employers look after our welfare and pay us adequately.
“My boss Mr Agilan also allows me to work at my pace, giving me a break once a month to visit my parents – father S. Ramu and mother T. Saroja - in Sungkai, Perak,” said Muthu, the eldest of three boys and three girls.
Muthu’s task is to ferry an array of vegetables for the Hock Kee Seng supermarket’s three outlets – two in Kuala Terengganu and one in Gong Badak, Kuala Nerus.
“After offloading our cargo, we have our breakfast and a short rest. Then, its curry lunch at our favourite Restaurant KTT Tanjung run by my friend Gunaa Sivanathan in Jalan Sultan Zainal Abidin, before pushing off to Ringlet the same day,” said Muthu, adding that he also catches up with other lorry drivers at the restaurant.
He said that he landed the job with Varma Brothers after being introduced to the company by a friend, R. Kumar.
“Prior to that, after finishing my Form Five I was a welder for two years in my hometown and then joined a hotel in Kuala Lumpur as a maintenance staff for another two years.
“The salary was very low and I decided to learn to drive three- and five-tonne heavy vehicles.
“After obtaining my licence, I began work with Varma Brothers,” said Muthu, who makes about RM3,000 a month.