My name is Muniandy
I was born in Changlun, Kedah.
I moved to Pulau Pinang at around 1962.
I started being a beca (rickshaw) rider since 1971.
My mother remarried to a Chinese man.
So since very young, I was left at the Welfare Department.
At that time, I was only 7 years old.
I have 3 siblings.
I don't know where they all are now.
I moved back to Changlun.
Now, in Changlun, there are so many changes.
Though my family is quite big, I don't know where they all are now.
My daily revenue can only reach between RM10 to RM15 (USD 3-5).
With this I have to manage my life.
I don't have any other options.
During holiday seasons, I can get between RM40 to RM50 a day (USD 12-15).
On Fridays and Saturdays, I usually make less money.
I felt that the government should help poor and powerless people.
The government doesn't do anything.
It only wants to help rich people.
I've rode the beca since 1971 (42 years).
The Welfare Department gives me RM300 (USD 94) per month.
I shower at the gas station nearby.
I sleep at a Caltex petrol station.
I don't have a home.
I'm woken up by the owner of these stalls at 5am.
I wait at this site until 6.30am, then I go to the beca poll station.
Only after 9.30am will there be beca customers.
For one way, the beca will cost RM10 (USD 3).
That's the standard for going to nearby places.
My daily revenue is not so regular.
I have more customers during holiday seasons, that's when I make some money.
Sometimes I get customers, sometimes I don't get any.
On some days I get one, and sometimes I don't get any for three days.
Now, the government gives RM20 (USD 6) weekly to every beca driver.