ISKANDAR PUTERI: Despite facing stigma and condescending remarks about his job as a cleaner in Singapore, 25-year-old Shahrul Nizam Suhaimi remains undeterred and content with his work.
Initially worried about the negative perceptions of cleaners as low-class workers, Shahrul has found fulfilment in his role and shares his experiences on TikTok, where his posts have gained significant attention.
Shahrul, a father of one, has been working in Singapore for nearly three years.
His current position as a cleaner is his second job after leaving a previous role as a restaurant assistant.
He commutes daily from Gelang Patah, Johor, to Singapore and took up the job to save money for his wedding last year.
"I previously ran a food business, but it didn't succeed, so I decided to try my luck in Singapore, where my sister-in-law also works. I worked in a restaurant before quitting and searched for various jobs without success. After being unemployed for three to four months, I was offered a job as a cleaner.
"At first, I felt embarrassed because of the stigma attached to this job, especially since I'm still young. But I saw it as the best opportunity for me, and I've since embraced it, especially since the pay is quite good," Shahrul told Harian Metro.
Shahrul enjoys documenting his work experiences on TikTok as a personal record, though he admits to receiving judgmental comments.
Some people have questioned his choice to work as a cleaner despite achieving 5As in his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams eight years ago.
"Some say, 'Oh, he's just a cleaner', but when they find out I work in Singapore, they start asking about job openings.
"Others question why I haven't looked for a different job or a government position. But as long as my income is halal, I don't mind. People don't know that I've tried many times and gone to interviews, but it wasn't meant to be.
"I appreciate the opportunities Allah has given me. Although I couldn't continue my studies due to financial problems, I'm grateful that I can now support my family and give my parents pocket money," he said, expressing gratitude for the support from his family and in-laws.
Regarding his daily routine, Shahrul explained that he would leave for work as early as 5am and arrive two hours later to begin his tasks, which include cleaning, tidying, and maintaining office spaces.
His responsibilities also involve cleaning toilets, pantries, gyms, and stairs, as well as taking out the rubbish.
He typically finishes work at 4pm, though he sometimes works overtime until 7pm.
"So far, people here have never looked down on us. They often share food, give tips, and always greet us. I'm not ashamed of my job, and here, cleaners are paid according to their qualifications. I earn SGD2,400 (RM8,005.80), including overtime," he said.