Unsung heroes: Cleaning staff play key part in Sukma XXI success

KUCHING (Aug 24): Despite their fatigue, the cleaning crew of the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) are delighted to have contributed to the event.

Volunteer, Napisah Salan, 58, commended the athletes, attendees and officials of the Games for playing their part in keeping the event venues clean by not littering.

“Throughout our duties, there has not been much of a mess. People have not been littering and everything has been quite orderly,” she told The Borneo Post.

Napisah and her team begin their shift at 8am, and are assigned to the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, Sarawak Stadium, Sarawak Cricket Nets, Sarawak Squash Centre, Stadium Perpaduan, and Sarawak Lawn Bowls Arena.

A majority of the staff members are housewives volunteering as cleaning staff for this year’s Sukma, with the oldest being 68-year-old Juru Menterang.

“All of the cleaning staff members are employed by the same company, and we are one team among several. There are other teams designated to other venues so as to divide and conquer to clean the venues efficiently,” said Juru.

Although their job in this Sukma is part-time, the crew expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be involved in the Games.

“Once this Sukma is over, our job is complete. However, if there are any major events in the future, I look forward to contributing,” she added.

Juru, who was met when she and members of the cleaning staff were resting outside the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, said she wished they had a designated resting area and given food.

“We have to bring our own meals. Food is only provided when there is extra available.

“But most of the time, the cleaning staff members bring their own meals,” she said.