At just 25 years old, Shahrul Nizam Suhaimi has faced the kind of stigma that many might shy away from, yet he remains proud and fulfilled in his role as a cleaner in Singapore.
For nearly three years, Shahrul has commuted daily from Gelang Patah, Johor, to Singapore to support his family, despite the condescending remarks some have made about his profession.
M’sian Man Earns RM8K As A Cleaner In S’pore, Says His Job Is A Blessing
Like many, Shahrul initially worried about how others would perceive his job. Cleaning, after all, is often viewed through a lens of social stigma.
But in the face of these judgments, Shahrul found contentment. His decision to take up the job was not a result of settling but rather an opportunity to build a future.
Having left his previous role as a restaurant assistant, he took the position as a cleaner to save for his wedding last year, viewing it as the best option available at the time, reported NST.
“I previously ran a food business, but it didn’t succeed, so I decided to try my luck in Singapore, where my sister-in-law also works. I worked in a restaurant before quitting and searched for various jobs without success. After being unemployed for three to four months, I was offered a job as a cleaner.”
‘I used to feel ashamed‘
He admits that at first, he felt embarrassed about the role.
“I used to feel ashamed because of the stigma surrounding this job, especially since I’m still young,” Shahrul says.
But over time, he embraced his new reality. The pay was fair, and it allowed him to support his wife and child. For Shahrul, the job wasn’t about status, but about providing for his family and staying true to his values.
Through TikTok, Shahrul has shared his journey, posting about his daily experiences as a cleaner. His posts have garnered attention, but not all of it has been positive.
‘People don’t know that I’ve tried many times and gone to interviews, but it wasn’t meant to be‘
Some questioned why he would work as a cleaner, especially given his academic achievements—Shahrul earned 5As in his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams eight years ago.
“Some say, ‘Oh, he’s just a cleaner’, but when they find out I work in Singapore, they start asking about job openings.“
But Shahrul stands firm in his decision, explaining that despite his efforts to find other jobs, things didn’t work out.
“Others question why I haven’t looked for a different job or a government position. But as long as my income is halal, I don’t mind. People don’t know that I’ve tried many times and gone to interviews, but it wasn’t meant to be,” he says.
He finds respect in his workplace
He sees his job as a blessing, an opportunity to support his family and even send pocket money to his parents.
“I appreciate the opportunities Allah has given me. Although I couldn’t continue my studies due to financial problems, I’m grateful that I can now support my family and give my parents pocket money.”Â
Shahrul’s daily routine involves leaving home at 5 a.m. and travelling two hours to Singapore, where his tasks include cleaning office spaces, toilets, gyms, and even taking out the rubbish.
Despite the hard work, he finds respect in his workplace.
“People here never look down on us. They share food, give tips, and always greet us,” he says with pride.
While some may continue to judge Shahrul for his line of work, he remains undeterred. In Singapore, his salary, including overtime, adds up to SGD2,400 (RM8,005.80) a month—a figure that allows him to take care of his family and live comfortably.
