Man gives nasi lemak & cigarettes to HDB workers painting outside his unit window in Bedok, earns praise from netizens
A Singaporean man has earned praise online after handing nasi lemak and cigarettes to two painters working outside his HDB flat in Bedok Reservoir.
Source: @01fhm on TikTok
TikTok user @01fhm, whose real name is Faisal Marican, shared a video on 28 Oct showing him passing the items through his kitchen window to the surprised workers.
The 36-year-old, a viral food reviewer turned “food giver”, told MS News that he simply wanted to lift the workers’ spirits and spread a little kindness while they were hard at work.
Offered milo & biscuits first, then a ‘surprise treat’
Mr Faisal said the heartwarming moment actually took place over two days.
“On 24 Oct, I gave them Milo packets and biscuits when they were outside my home,” he told MS News.
Source: @01fhm on TikTok
“Because I saw how happy they were, on 25 Oct, I gave them nasi lemak and a surprise treat.”
Living on the top floor of a Bedok Reservoir Road block, Mr Faisal had noticed the men working outside his unit early on Friday (24 Oct) morning.
“The next day, Saturday, when I wasn’t working, I went to buy nasi lemak early in the morning,” he said.
Source: @01fhm on TikTok
‘A morale boost’ for workers far from home
When asked what inspired him, Mr Faisal said he wanted to give the painters a small morale boost — something many foreign workers rarely receive.
“If [there’s] anything our foreign workers need, it’s a morale boost,” he shared. “I always have my own ration at home. Giving them a little surprise treat will make them smile.”
He added that he included cigarettes because he knew from experience that many construction and maintenance workers smoke.
Source: @01fhm on TikTok
“Most hard labourers smoke. I know this because I used to work in construction,” he explained.
“I do know they are from Myanmar, and most Burmese construction workers do smoke. When being offered, although shy at first, they were very quick to accept the offer.”
Workers at his HDB were ‘very grateful and happy’
Mr Faisal said the painters were initially shy since he was filming the interaction, but their reactions quickly turned to gratitude and laughter.
“After the interaction, they were very grateful and happy,” he said.
Source: @01fhm on TikTok
He also urged Singaporeans to show more compassion towards migrant workers, especially after the recent incident of workers being scolded for resting under void decks.
“We should show compassion to them,” he said.
“Little things for us, like a daily box of cigarettes, may mean little to us. But it means a lot to them.”
Source: @01fhm on TikTok
‘Little things can mean a lot’
The simple gesture has since touched many online, with commenters calling it a thoughtful reminder to appreciate those who keep Singapore running.
Mr Faisal hopes his actions will encourage others to show small acts of care, too.
“After all, if we can make someone’s day better, why not?”
Also read: Sembawang resident provides meals for over 100 construction workers as appreciation for hard work
Sembawang resident provides meals for over 100 construction workers as appreciation for hard work
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Featured image adapted from @01fhm on TikTok.
