WEBVTT

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My name is Muniandy

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I was born in Changlun, Kedah.

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I moved to Pulau Pinang at around 1962.

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I started being a beca (rickshaw) rider since 1971.

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My mother remarried to a Chinese man.

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So since very young, I was left at the Welfare Department.

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At that time, I was only 7 years old.

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I have 3 siblings.

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I don't know where they all are now.

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I moved back to Changlun.

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Now, in Changlun, there are so many changes.

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Though my family is quite big, I don't know where they all are now.

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My daily revenue can only reach between RM10 to RM15 (USD 3-5).

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With this I have to manage my life.

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I don't have any other options.

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During holiday seasons, I can get between RM40 to RM50 a day (USD 12-15).

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On Fridays and Saturdays, I usually make less money.

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I felt that the government should help poor and powerless people.

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The government doesn't do anything.

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It only wants to help rich people.

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I've rode the beca since 1971 (42 years).

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The Welfare Department gives me RM300 (USD 94) per month.

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I shower at the gas station nearby.

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I sleep at a Caltex petrol station.

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I don't have a home.

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I'm woken up by the owner of these stalls at 5am.

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I wait at this site until 6.30am, then I go to the beca poll station.

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Only after 9.30am will there be beca customers.

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For one way, the beca will cost RM10 (USD 3).

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That's the standard for going to nearby places.

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My daily revenue is not so regular.

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I have more customers during holiday seasons, that's when I make some money.

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Sometimes I get customers, sometimes I don't get any.

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On some days I get one, and sometimes I don't get any for three days.

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Now, the government gives RM20 (USD 6) weekly to every beca driver.