With just a RM70 shovel, this 81-year-old has been a dedicated grave digger for the past 41 years, serving the community, at their most vulnerable state.
81yo M’sian has been working as a grave digger for 40 years
Md Yunus Cangkat, is an 81-year-old man who spends most of his time at the Tanah Perkuburan Islam Telok Piai. Sharing his day-to-day activities to local newspaper Harian Metro, Md Yunus’ tasks would include keeping the cemetery clean, on top of digging graves. Sharing his story, the man mentioned that he used to help the previous undertaker with his work around the area.
“As time passes, they’ve all passed on and I’m the only one left”, he said.
Source: Harian Metro
Not long after, Md Yunus was then appointed as the official person in charge by the Masjid Jamek Sultan Ibrahim (MJSI). Recalling his days working the noble job, the man shared that he has dug over 21 graves in a month, during the Covid-19 pandemic days, back in 2020.
When asked how long he would take to dig a grave, the man answered that it would take him at least 2 hours to complete the task. Depending on the condition of the soil, occasionally, he would take a little over 2 hours. Despite being 81 years old, Md Yunus remains dedicated to his job and doesn’t intend on retiring any time soon.
As long as I’m able to, I will continue my service
“As long as I’m able to, I will continue providing my services to the community”, he mentioned.
Source: Harian Metro
On top of that the father to three kids shared that the job is no easy feat as the responsibility he carries is significant. Explaining further he said,
“Regardless of if it’s day or night, once we receive the call, we must get to work immediately. This is our duty.”
This is truly a noble job, and we applaud Md Yunus for his dedication towards his service to the community. May he continue to be healthy!
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Also read: “It made me more responsible”, 34yo M’sian man decides to work as a grave digger
