Role models in building caring society

MY husband and I had a similar experience as Dr Tan’s wife, “Helping hands to create a caring and considerate society” ( The Star, Jan 24), a few weeks ago. We were at a petrol station in Kuala Lumpur to fill up before heading for the east coast. I was in the car with my daughter when my husband came over and asked for my phone. He was followed by a well-dressed lady who looked anxious.

It turned out that she was driving to her son’s house but had lost her way and was unsure of navigating the Damansara-Puchong Expressway without a Touch ‘N Go card. Her phone had died and she was at the petrol station’s shop to ask for help. She told us she had spent the last 20 minutes approaching anyone who entered but all had ignored her. Then my husband walked in, noticed her and asked if he could help.

A quick call was made to her son, and after she confirmed that she would be okay while waiting for him to collect her, we wished her a good day and left.

My husband said he had heard her asking loudly, both in English and Malay, in the shop if she could use someone’s phone to call her son but it was almost as if she was speaking a different language as everyone just looked at her before walking away.

I couldn’t help but feel proud of my husband for stepping up as he is normally a quiet and reserved person. I agree with Dr Tan that if others do the same to help people, our society will definitely benefit. If there is one thing I want my daughter to learn and emulate, it is to be kind always and help out wherever she can.