JOHOR BARU: To his workmates, he is “uncle” or even atuk.

       And to mark his 71st birthday on Saturday, Tony Soh’s colleagues surprised him with a cake, which they brought out at the end of his shift.

       “It was extra special as they took time to celebrate with me while observing the fasting month. They knew I would usually head home when my shift ends at 3pm,” said Soh, who does odd jobs at a fast food restaurant here.

       “I am touched that my colleagues including the manager-in-charge remembered my birthday,” he said when met at the outlet at a shopping mall in Taman Pelangi here.

       Soh, who started working at the outlet more than a year ago, said he is thankful that the company was willing to hire him despite his age.

       “I used to work as a masseur before the Covid-19 pandemic forced the parlour to close down.

       “Thankfully, I met a friend who helped recommend me for this job as I am able-bodied and am willing to work.”

       “I get on quite well with my colleagues who are far younger than me.

       “Some of them call me uncle, or atuk because I am old enough to be their grandfather,” he quipped.

       Soh, who is unmarried, said he prefers to stay active and work rather than sit idle at home.

       The outlet’s manager-in-charge, Muhd Fauzan Rashid, said the simple celebration was their way of showing their appreciation for Soh, who is hardworking.

       “We hired Uncle Tony during the middle of the pandemic when we were short on staff. He has displayed good commitment to his work. And he is quick on his feet.

       “He usually keeps the outlet clean and tidy besides assisting the kitchen staff to keep the food preparation area and cooking utensils clean.

       “As the most senior member of our team, he often looks out for us and shows concern for us like we are his children,” he said.

       He said that Soh, who is a part-timer working from 11am until 3pm, seldom complains about feeling tired despite his age.