Protecting Our Elders: The Story of Ng Teak Boon
In our fast-paced world, content creators often go to extreme lengths for views and fame. But what happens when they exploit the kindness of an elderly hawker? This is the story of Ng Teak Boon, a 90-year-old ice cream seller, and the call to protect him from being used as a mere prop in TikTok videos.
Exploitation of a Local Legend
Larry Lai, the administrator of the Can Eat! Facebook group, recently raised concerns about TikTokers who have been filming Ng without his consent. In a Facebook post on November 2, he highlighted how these creators have turned Ng into a backdrop for their content, using hashtags to draw attention while neglecting the impact on the elderly hawker.
“Please don’t exploit him,” Lai pleaded. He explained that some content creators film themselves selling ice cream alongside Ng, treating him as an accessory rather than a person deserving of respect.
Lai visited Ng at his usual spot in Jalan Belar and confirmed that his inventory remains unchanged. To genuinely support Ng, he suggested that people buy ice cream worth $20 to $30 from him. He also urged TikTokers to remove their labels from Ng’s cart to avoid further exploitation.
Understanding Ng’s Situation
Many have questioned whether Ng is operating illegally. However, Lai clarified that Ng holds a valid hawker license, which he will help renew next year. Currently, there are only eight itinerant hawkers in Singapore, and if Ng is forced out, that number will dwindle to seven.
Itinerant hawkers have a rich history in Singapore, especially from the late 19th to mid-20th century. These hawkers, often ethnic Chinese, would roam the streets selling food and drinks, calling out their goods in a singsong voice. Ng is a living testament to this tradition, still cycling daily with his heavy ice cream cart from Beach Road to Sim Lim Towers.
A Community Rallying Together
Despite being 90 years old, Ng remains independent, resilient, and active. He lives alone in a rental HDB flat in Geylang Bahru, and unfortunately, his five children do not look after him. Lai has been a regular visitor, helping Ng with his stock and even purchasing food for him.
Ng’s health has taken a toll since contracting Covid, but he continues to push through. The Happy People Helping People Community shared earlier this year that Ng is determined to keep selling ice cream, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Last month, Lai and friends stepped in to assist Ng with sales, and the response was heartwarming. They sold out all of Ng’s ice cream, showcasing the community’s support and love for this local legend.
Creating Awareness and Protecting Our Elders
This situation sheds light on a troubling issue—exploiting the elderly for clout. It’s a stark reminder that we must do better as a society.
How can we improve this situation? Here are a few suggestions:
– **Raise Awareness**: Educate the public about the importance of treating our elders with respect and dignity.
– **Strengthen Laws**: Implement stricter laws and penalties for those who take advantage of vulnerable individuals.
Let’s rally together to ensure that our elders, like Ng Teak Boon, are treated with the respect they deserve. After all, a community that looks after its own is a strong community.
For more insights on supporting our local hawkers, check out Hawker.sg.