Ex-soldier now keeping the streets clean

JOHOR BARU: He used to defend the state from security threats as a reserve soldier. Mohd Noor Zaini Abd Latif is back again on the front line, this time to keep the streets clean.

The 50-year-old said he served in the territorial army regiment or Regimen Askar Wataniah when he was younger.

“I felt a sense of pride knowing that I was doing something to protect our country. Unfortunately, after several years, I had to quit due to health reasons.

“I then found a job at a factory. Gradually, I upgraded my skills and eventually became a trailer lorry driver,” he said in an interview.

Life on the road was also quite tough, he said, because being in the logistics industry required him to drive long distances and be away from his family.

During that time, Mohd Noor Zaini’s ageing mother and elderly grandmother suffered from health problems.

He decided to look for another job to be closer to his loved ones.

“I joined SWM Environment Sdn Bhd as a trash compactor truck driver more than two years ago. My duties include navigating routes in Kulai according to the garbage collection schedule to ensure that solid waste is picked up on time.

“Although my current job scope is quite different compared with the days when I was a trailer lorry driver and soldier, it does not take away my sense of responsibility to carry out my duties well.

“I take pride in being on the waste management front line, making sure that the streets are clean to improve people’s lives and the state’s image,” said Mohd Noor Zaini.

Among the challenges of being a garbage truck driver was manoeuvring the heavy vehicle through narrow residential streets, especially when there are cars blocking the path to the wheelie bins.

The father of one added that he would be resuming his duties on the second day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, where he expects to collect more household waste due to the festive season.

“This year, I am on duty until the eve of Hari Raya to collect rubbish from Ramadan bazaar sites under the Kulai Municipal Council, from Kangkar Pulai all the way to Sedenak before getting a one-day festive break.

“Last year, I had to work on the first day of Hari Raya but this year, I am glad that I got the day off to celebrate with my family,” he said.