The rain was torrential as I drove into Jalan Chow Kit, making visibility poor and traffic increasingly difficult. If this had been the start of my journey, the downpour and the resulting congestion would have been reason to worry. Thankfully, Jalan Chow Kit was indeed my destination that rainy evening.
Across the road, outside the Chow Kit Community Learning Centre, a long queue had already formed. Most of the people waiting were elderly, some with visible disabilities. Despite the harsh weather, they stood patiently, largely without complaint.
There is certain poignancy in how Chow Kit sits just minutes away from the glittering lights of Bukit Bintang. For many here, luxury is a distant concept, and even a guaranteed daily meal can feel like a privilege. Even during this season of giving, charity remains scarce for some.
A meal for many
Thankfully, there are Malaysians who willingly give their time and energy for the well-being of others. At exactly 5.30pm, the centre’s doors swung open, and tables lined with food packets were set up outside.
At the same moment, a van pulled up in front of the centre. Uncle Tony Lian hopped out and began unloading boxes of food from the back, carrying them indoors despite the rain. Cheers rippled through the crowd as he greeted them warmly.
A man of charity
For the destitute community of Chow Kit, Food4U’s work is nothing short of a lifeline. For Uncle Tony and his dozen volunteers, it is a duty. They performed said duty for the next hour or so, distributing warm meals to around a hundred people.
I am no stranger to Uncle Tony, having met him during the pandemic. The 75-year-old also made headlines recently after helping to house an abused homeless migrant worker. For a pensioner, feeding the poor, the sick and the hungry is not just an act of kindness, it is what keeps him going.
“I believe there are people who are in need every day of their lives,” he said as we sat down together. “When the needy see me coming, I see the joy in their faces. That joy stimulates me, encourages me to do more. That’s my desire, my devotion.”
Despite his age, Uncle Tony sees no reason to stop. His charitable journey began 11 years ago, and with the blessing of his wife, he continues as long as his health allows.
“She told me, when you are not well, when it’s time to stop, it’s time to pass the baton to someone else,” he shared. Uncle Tony has taken her words to heart and believes that younger volunteers will step forward to carry on the work.
Love one another, as I loved you
As admirable as his devotion to kindness is, it also highlights how rare such compassion can be. After all, the homeless migrant worker Uncle Tony helped had previously faced abuse and indifference from others.
“I believe in this: each of us should have compassion for our fellow human beings,” Uncle Tony said. To him, living a more fortunate life is no excuse to mistreat others. Life is good for some of us, and that goodness should be shared.
An unforgettable lunch
Over the years, Uncle Tony has touched thousands of lives, but one memory remains especially vivid. He was having lunch when a beggar sat down beside him.
“The owner chased him away, but I held onto him,” Uncle Tony recalled. “I told the owner, ‘I’ll pay for his bill.’ We had lunch together. I saw joy on his face, tears in his eyes. We made a connection, and I began to cry. I realised then that this is really what I needed to do.”
That moment has stayed with him ever since. Today, it fuels a demanding schedule. Uncle Tony works five days a week. On Wednesdays, when he is not on the streets distributing food, he spends the day collecting food supplies and preparing for the rest of the week. Sundays are his only day of rest.
“When we started our work 11 years ago, we distributed about 300 meals a week. Today, it’s 3,000 packets a week,” he said.
His phone is never switched off. Despite the risk of prank calls, Uncle Tony answers every one, unwilling to miss a genuine cry for help.
“Please, come join me. Experience the joy of giving and sharing,” he urged. “Everybody is invited. Any time we’re on the streets, just come. Don’t wait to be invited.”
How can you help?
Those who are unable to volunteer in person can support Food4U by donating cash to Public Bank account 4826007307, or by contributing food supplies, especially dry items like rice and bread. Donations can be dropped off at Food4U’s gathering centre in Semenyih, which is open for contributions every Wednesday.
As Malaysians prepare to celebrate Christmas, Uncle Tony hopes more people will spare a thought for the less fortunate. “Christmas is the season for hope, giving and joy for whoever in need,” he said. “It’s the season to appreciate the good things in life and to spread kindness.”
For Uncle Tony, kindness always come full circle.
“If you bless somebody,” he said wholeheartedly, “those blessings will come back to you. To enjoy the goodness of life, you must appreciate life and share it with others.”
Food4U
Address: 42A, Jalan Sunway 2/12, Bandar Sunway Semenyih, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor
Contact: 017-8812666 (Uncle Tony)
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