Salvaging lives amidst the ruins of a pandemic

FEATURE | When the borders closed, Mami Cyndi fell out of work as a tour guide.

She had been given tours around Kuala Lumpur, and also Genting Highlands, for many years and was particularly familiar with the Petaling Street area.

"I know all the store owners and they know me.

"There was one day, I was walking with my daughter, and I was at this famous kopitiam and I asked for a drink. I told them I only had this RM20 left. I don’t have work now, and I also have no EPF (Employees' Provident Fund). Can I please just have a drink for free?”

No.

“I never thought I could be treated like this. There is no kindness when you have no money. So then I thought - I know this good-hearted uncle and he has a kopitiam too. And I asked him if we can partner to feed the homeless here.”

“Here” was Onn Loke 安乐 Kopitiam.

Onn Loke Kopitiam is a tiny two-storey lot nestled in the wet market of Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur operated by Uncle Lee. Onn Loke - meaning peace and happiness - is a one-uncle operation selling kopitiam staples like roti bakar (toast) and sock-filtered coffee.

It also had significantly reduced income during the pandemic shutdown...