KUANTAN: A 24-year-old worker with a solid waste management and cleaning company has proven himself of being able to provide for his family.
Iman Hakim Sahar said someone once asked him sarcastically about his ability to support his family with his income as a garbage collector.
However, those words did not break his spirit in fending for his wife, Nurul Ain Mahadi, 23, and their three-year-old child.
He has been working in this job for the past five years and it is his primary source of income as he is a full time staff.
He also works partime to supplement his family's income.
"I only have Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and even so, I'm grateful to have this job. I remember on my first day, I couldn't stand the stench of the garbage because it was so bad.
"I felt like throwing up, but by the second day, my sense of smell seemed to have adapted to it, and everything became okay since then," he said when contacted by Harian Metro.
Iman Hakim said every job has its challenges, and his job was no exception.
"One of the challenges I face at work is being scolded by people for not placing their garbage bins in the correct place.
"I have also been chased by dogs. There was one time when I was collecting trash, and when I looked back, I saw a dog. I ran away immediately.
"I have found money before, but not much. Besides that, I have also come across laptops and mobile phones. However, the most enjoyable part is being able to walk around and meet various people."
Like others, Iman Hakim admitted the job can be tiring, but his fatigue disappears every time he returns home and sees his child's face.
Regarding his TikTok posts, Iman Hakim's intention was simply to share the reality of his life and work as a garbage collector.
"I just want to show people how we garbage collectors work and at the same time entertain them with my videos. That's all, but as usual, there are positive and negative comments.
"I just accept them because what matters is that I earn a halal income, and my family supports me," he said.