Wheeling to a better life in Semporna | The Malaysian Insight

Wheeling to a better life in Semporna

Irwan Majid6 years ago22nd Feb 2019Pictures

Whell13 — A group of barrow pushers waiting for customers at Semporna market in Sabah. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, February 22, 2019.

THE alternative is a life of crime and drugs and for some Semporna teenagers, it is better to put their youthful energy to good use as cart pushers.

Armed with a wheelbarrow, Sani Abdullah’s day starts at 6.30am at the Semporna market to help shoppers with their load.

He helps them send their purchases directly to their cars.

“I’m doing this to help my family and they are not mad at me for doing it. As long as I don’t do anything that would get me into trouble, my parents are okay,” says Sani, who has four younger siblings who are all schooling.

Sani and his barrow-pusher friends do not have the luxury of going to school but at least they are trying hard not be involved in crime and drugs.

Last December alone, more than 100 people were arrested for drug offences in Kg Bangau-Bangau, only a few minutes’ walk from the market.

Depending on the weight, Sani and his friends can earn between RM2 and RM5 for each cart. – February 22, 2019.

A group of barrow pushers waiting for customers at Semporna market in Sabah. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, February 22, 2019.

A man and his daughter waiting for a wheelbarrow to transport their goods at the Semporna market in Sabah. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, February 22, 2019.

Sani Abdullah waiting for customers at the Semporna market in Sabah. Being a barrow boy is better than a life of crime, says the youth. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, February 22, 2019.

A man transferring bags of ice cubes from a cart to a customer's car at Semporna market in Sabah. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, February 22, 2019.

A cart pusher loading cooking oil at Semporna market in Sabah. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, February 22, 2019.

A young cart pusher transporting foodstuff at Semporna market in Sabah. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, February 22, 2019.

Two barrow pushers with their load at Semporna market in Sabah. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, February 22, 2019.

A barrow pusher with cooking gas cylinders at Semporna market in Sabah. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, February 22, 2019.

Two young cart pushers preparing their wheelbarrow as they wait for customers at Semporna market in Sabah. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, February 22, 2019.

A cart pusher smiling as he transports foodstuff at Semporna market in Sabah. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, February 22, 2019.