Finding his way to hope
ANG Tan Loong recalls that turning point in his life, when, stuck behind bars, he was moved to tears by the sweet strains of Amazing Grace coming from a nearby church.
In the book, From A Pest To Pest Controller, Stephen Ng tells Ang’s story simply.
“It was on a Sunday morning that Tan Loong was awakened by the hymn, Amazing Grace . ... Tears rolled down his cheeks as he sang the song while he was in the lockup. The hymn ... touched Tan Loong’s heart and he decided that he wanted to be under God’s grace the moment he was released from prison,” reads the book.
“Of all that has happened in my life, this encounter in the Sitiawan lockup was the most memorable to me,” says Ang.
That’s saying a lot, because his life is certainly colourful, to put it mildly. Even his birth was surrounded by drama. His father lost his job as a mechanic when he was born, and a medium advised his parents to give him away to prevent more bad luck.
His maternal grandparents raised him as their own and from a young age, Ang helped out at their coffee shop. His tasks included washing dishes and delivering food and drinks to opium dens.
You don’t have to fast forward very far in his life – or indeed, in the book – to find out how he got involved with the wrong crowd and started dabbling in recreational drugs.
In hindsight, it sounds like the Ipon-born Ang sees it as a love-hate relationship, with multiple attempts at quitting cold turkey, only to wander back into those familiar drug-fuelled days and nights.
Hot-headed and quick with his fists, he was part of the Ngee Heng gang and made quite a name for himself.
But here is a story with an ending that is very different from its beginning, and today, Ang can proudly say that he has been living clean for almost three decades, that he founded a pest control company and is currently helping to raise funds for two rehabilitation centres in Kuala Lumpur, Tower of Love and New Creation Home. Proceeds from sales of A Pest To Pest Controller will go to these centres.
This book is the first time Ang, 55, is telling his story in writing.
“I was previously so busy with my pest control business. When New Creation Home merged with the younger Tower Of Love, I realised that I have been neglecting the drug ministry and decided to tell my story.
“I hope that this book will send a fervent message to youths about the dangers of drugs. To those who are hooked and desire deliverance, there is hope in God, our Creator,” he says.
As for Ng, 62, who wrote the book as told to him by Ang, there is no greater joy as a biographer than to put together someone’s tale.
He first started writing about his father some 20 years ago, and from there, moved on to the stories of other people, including Kajang Redemption – The True Story Of Sam Kian Seng, which was launched last year.
From A Pest To A Pest Controller is Ng’s eighth book.
“When the job is done, I feel that I have achieved something. Such books serve to preserve people’s legacies. It records part of our nation’s history.
“A book will always be in the homes of our children and grandchildren,” says Ng.
As for Ang, writing of this book means a lot to him.
It is more than just a telling of his life story, or a cautionary tale. It is also a story of redemption and second chances.
“We are human, we make heinous mistakes in life. We should permit a man a second chance, provided he admits his guilt and accepts the consequences of his crimes.
“For example, if a thief has stolen, the law demands judgement on him. Once he has served his term, we should not stigmatise him but give him a second chance to prove his repentance,” he says.
For Ang, this was what made all the difference in the world – it provided a fresh start, a new lease on life and the promise of greater things to come.
From A Pest To Pest Controller will be launched at 11am on Nov 28 at the Dream Centre (No.2, Jalan 13/1, Petaling Jaya). Call 03-4292 2227 (Puan Najwa) for reservations.
From A Pest To Pest Controller is sold at RM20 at Canaanland Bookshop in Petaling Jaya and Kota Kinabalu. For information, email info@canaanland.com.my or canaanlandkkstore@gmail.com. The book is also available from Stopest (M) Sdn Bhd at No.10, Jalan Mega 7, Taman Mega Jaya, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur (03-4292 2227) or 32A-1, Lorong Permai 1B, Taman Kota Pendamar, Port Klang, Selangor (03-3167 1227).