Some are too thick-skinned to care

THE letter “Food for thought over the hungry in Malaysia (The Star, Oct 21) reminded me of a government pensioner who passed away some years ago. She lived alone all her life and owned a house on the mainland which she bought with a government loan.

But she preferred to stay on Penang Island because she was so used to this place where she had worked until she retired.

I was taken aback the first time I was told she always went for the food meant for the homeless and the hardcore poor. Her good friend had more than once advised her to stop this unacceptable practice which was beneath her dignity but her advice fell on deaf ears.

She continued doing so until someone from the homeless group told her off for being so greedy since she had already been well looked after by the Government.

It was difficult for her to pass off as one of the poor and homeless because they all knew she was a former government servant.

I thought this late pensioner’s case was an isolated one. But, as highlighted by Jaline Wellington, there are many people like her, including security guards, workers going home after a late shift, jaywalkers and even those “special” ladies who only work at night.

It’s hard to imagine that just for a free packet of food and drink, some people could stoop so low as to do things that should be against their conscience.

What they do not only hampers the charitable deeds of volunteering, which could have otherwise benefited more deserving people, but is also morally wrong.

Avarice knows no bounds but I’m sure pride matters more than money to most people. Hopefully, good sense will prevail.

STEVEN CHAI Penang