Giving is often described as an act of kindness that expects nothing in return.
But what happens when a heartfelt gesture is met with rejection—or worse, ingratitude?
For one Malaysian woman, what started as a sincere moment of compassion turned into an experience that made her question the very act of giving.
Beggar calls M’sian woman ‘stingy’ for her RM1 donation
The woman shared her story on Threads, explaining how she encountered a beggar on a sidewalk in Temerloh, Pahang. He sat with an empty container, and his situation stirred a sense of empathy within her.
I noticed the container was still empty as I walked past him. Feeling sorry, I decided to give RM1 to help. He had mentioned he was a new convert, so I thought I was doing something meaningful for a brother in faith,” she said.
With that, she dropped the money in and continued on her way, believing she had done a small but good deed.
‘Stupid and stingy, only giving RM1’
However, just a few steps later, something made her turn around—and that’s when everything changed.
My heart shattered when I heard him say, ‘Stupid and stingy, only giving RM1.’ He was holding the RM1 I gave him before throwing it back into the container. Tears welled up in my eyes. I felt my sincerity was wasted, and I regretted giving,” she shared.
The experience left her shaken. What was supposed to be a moment of kindness turned into one of hurt, leaving her questioning whether to give again.
‘Don’t let it stop you from doing good’
When the woman’s story made its way online, it sparked a wave of reactions. Some sympathised with her heartbreak, while others encouraged her to keep giving despite the incident.
“It’s not about whether they appreciate it or not,” one commenter said.
“What matters is your intention. You’ll be rewarded for your sincerity, regardless of how it’s received.”
Others, however, admitted they’ve become more cautious about giving.
“I’ve been in your shoes. These days, I ignore beggars, no matter how tragic their stories sound. Instead, I donate to mosques or organisations where I know the money will go to those who really need it,” one user explained.
The incident may have left the woman feeling disheartened, but it has also sparked a deeper conversation about the nature of charity.
Should the act of giving be based on the recipient’s gratitude, or should it remain purely about the giver’s intentions?
For many, the answer lies in the latter. “This might have changed your perspective, but don’t let it stop you from doing good. Your kindness is bigger than this one experience.”
While the act of giving may not always bring the warm feelings we expect, it’s still a crucial part of building a compassionate community. Whether through direct donations or contributions to trusted organisations, every act of kindness matters—even when it feels unappreciated.
