Elderly cardboard collectors still taking risks on Marsiling roads
It has been almost two weeks since cardboard collector Zheng Yuan Ying was killed in an accident in Marsiling Lane.
The 86-year-old was knocked down by a private bus while pushing her trolley across the road.
But the tragic incident has not stopped other senior citizens from going around the area to pick up cardboard.
When The New Paper visited the area on Friday at about 7am, four elderly women were seen pushing their trolleys on their rounds. They went about their business along the roads, seemingly oblivious of the lorries and buses which were being driven in and out of the area.
An 82-year-old woman, who gave her name only as Madam Po, was one of them. She was reluctant to talk, but eventually let on that she picks up cardboard to pass time, as she does not have much to do at home.
WORK
The grey-haired woman, who sported a short crop, said in Hokkien: "It's boring. I have children to take care of me, but I just want to work."
She collects cardboard every morning, waiting a few days before amassing enough to sell them at a designated collection point, also in Marsiling.
She declined to say how much she makes.
Although she was aware of the incident involving Madam Zheng, she said she was not worried about losing her own life in an accident.
She said: "I have been doing this for more than 10 years, and so far nothing has happened." - Lakeisha Leo
I have been doing this for more than 10 years, and so far nothing has happened.
- Madam Po, when asked if she was worried that she would lose her life while collecting cardboard.
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