MELAKA, Malaysia: Cheng Fuok sits in his small home, watching as bicycles pass in the early morning hours. The sweat is already beginning to form on his brow, but he pays no attention as he continues his preparations for the day ahead. His hands move swiftly over the clock, opening the side and splitting it in half. Taking a small screwdriver, Cheng works his magic and within five minutes, the tick-tock of the clock hands signal it is working. “This is what I do every day,” he tells Bikyamasr.com. “I have been working like this for 40 years, but now there isn't a lot of people who need their clocks or watches fixed.” For Cheng, life has become a day-to-day struggle. While he is able to provide for himself and his wife three solid meals, he believes the development of the country has been too quick, leaving behind those who work in odd jobs and can't make it into the economy as a whole. “I really appreciate what is happening here in Malaysia, but I think the government should also care for all of us, including those like me who do jobs that are becoming not important,” he added. He is one of a small portion of Malaysian society that lives at or below the poverty line in the country. According to 2010 World Bank figures, around four percent of Malaysians are struggling below the poverty line. But the government, which has seen the annual average earnings of Malaysians increase to nearly $8,000, hopes to put forward new plans to boost those in need. “We definitely understand that there are people in the country that need assistance,” said Nora Hamidi, a consultant on economic development for the government. “What we are doing right now is looking at measures to either train young people who are in jobs that are becoming less vital to the overall economy and for the elderly, looking at austerity or subsidy packages to help them retire and live comfortably.” For Cheng, it would be a welcome change to the daily grind of early morning hours and days packed with fixing. At 82-years-old, he says his eyes are beginning to fail and it takes much longer to fix larger clocks. “I just wish the government would help us out because I am too old to be working,” he adds. A little rain begins to fall outside, cooling the air somewhat. For Cheng, with no fan or air-conditioner, the water brings a smile to his face. “Life isn't so bad, especially when you look at the struggle others in other countries have,” he admits, turning back his attention to a two meter tall Grandfather clock. “This will be my work today.”
