Every morning, Robert Maidin performs near markets in Penang before moving to Gurney Drive in the evening. Behind every song the 55-year-old busker strums away on his guitar lies a love for music that began during his childhood.
Today, his music carries an even deeper purpose as he’s now using his talent and passion for music to raise funds for his wife’s cancer treatment.
Speaking to WeirdKaya, Robert shared how a simple handwritten sign led to an outpouring of support from strangers across Malaysia and beyond, which has left him deeply touched by the show of generosity.
Born blind, but found his passion in music
Robert was born blind due to congenital cataracts but later regained partial vision after undergoing several eye surgeries as a child.
Although he was born in Sabah, Robert grew up in Penang between 1979 and 1988 before returning to his home state to continue his studies.
In 2011, he moved back to Penang and began working as an IT technician at an institution for the visually impaired where he had once studied. Two years later, he started busking at Gurney Drive while still holding onto his IT job.
After leaving his IT career in 2018, Robert continued busking full-time and began searching for more places to perform. Currently, he typically performs at locations such as Batu Lanchang Market, Pulau Tikus Market and Gurney Drive.
Income fell by almost 60%
Robert recalled earning between RM200 and RM300 from a single busking session in the past, where his earnings could soar to RM400 on particularly good days.
However, his income has since fallen by almost 60% despite him spending longer hours performing.
I would be lucky to get RM150 a day. Sometimes, it is only RM80 to RM120.”
Since leaving his IT job, Robert has been busking throughout the day, where he usually performs at a market in the morning before moving to another location and ending his day along Gurney Drive.
Although the work is tiring, his passion for music has kept him going. “I busk because I want to share the talent God has given me. I love performing,” he said.
Wife diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer
Robert’s reason for busking took on a new meaning after his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.
Unfortunately, the cancer cells later spread to her lungs and resulted in a Stage Four diagnosis. As such, she is required to undergo 20 rounds of chemotherapy and has completed 10 so far.
While the chemotherapy is covered by the government, Robert’s family still needs to pay for certain medications, which can cost between RM6,000 and RM9,000 per session.
When asked how much more in costs is still needed, Robert explained that the final figure remains uncertain as doctors continue monitoring his wife’s condition, which may require fewer or additional chemotherapy sessions.
“Before the diagnosis, my family could still manage expenses with my busking income and my wife’s salary as a teacher in Sabah. However, the cost of treatment has since placed us under immense financial pressure.
We are always thinking about where the money will come from for her next treatment,” he added.
Furthermore, Robert and wife have a total of four daughters, with the eldest having recently entered the workforce as a nurse, while the other three are still studying.
Going viral with a handwritten sign
As his busking income continued to decline, Robert decided to display a cardboard sign explaining that he was raising money for his wife’s treatment.
I never wanted my story to appear on social media and instead had hoped people passing by would notice the sign, listen to my music and offer some support.
If I wanted it to be on Facebook or TikTok, I could have done it myself.”
However, a member of the public eventually shared his story online, where it quickly gained attention and significantly improved Robert’s earnings. This gave his family much needed relief over the cost of his wife’s upcoming treatment sessions.
Eventually, Robert’s story reached the ears of Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim, who helped organise a fundraising concert last week titled “Robert Strums for Love”, which was attended by 250 people.
“Although I’ve performed at many concerts throughout my life, this was the first concert dedicated entirely to me. It could also be my last, so the response was very welcoming.
I was later informed that approximately RM40,000 had been raised through ticket sales and contributions, with Sim pledging to cover the remaining amount.
This brings the total funds raised to RM100,000.
“It is overwhelming that people who do not even know me are willing to help. I just wish that God blesses them,” he said.
Hopes to receive more paid gigs
Robert hopes the attention surrounding his story will bring him more opportunities as a musician, as he has built much experience by performing at weddings, birthday celebrations, corporate dinners, private functions and funeral wake services.
Due to his age, Robert admitted that he no longer has the energy to busk for eight to 12 hours every day and expressed hopes that more paid engagements would allow him to earn a steadier income while taking one or two days off each week.
Still, he remains grateful that the talent he loves can also help his family during one of their most difficult periods.
It is tiring, but I enjoy what I’m doing. That is what keeps me motivated. Music is the love of my life.”
‘I can’t thank you enough’
Support for Robert and his family has come not only from Penang and other parts of Malaysia, but also donors from Indonesia, Singapore and Australia.
He also expressed his gratitude to everyone who donated, attended the concert or helped share his story on his family’s behalf.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you, thank you, thank you. I can’t thank you enough.”
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