The Street Peddler

During Japanese time most of the people will do something to earn a living. Most people had no job especially the Government Servants. My father worked in a British Lawyer firm and automatically the firm had to close. My brothers too suffer the same except those working in Government Department.   We had to earn a living in whatever way we can. Some worked for the Japanese Govt. Some did some private business.

As for me I was helping my mother by selling Malay cakes (Kuih Melayu), Curry Puffs and Nasi Lemak all over Ipoh town. I walked to various places in Ipoh to sell. I carried a large rattan basket filled with whatever my mother had prepared for the day. My favorite spot was an open area beside the Ipoh Post Office where I had set up a small table for my enterprise. There I was selling mother’s food among the many petition writers. I also made some money by selling cheap local Japanese cigarettes. I don’t think my mother knew about those trade. Anyway, by singing for the Japanese and selling food and cigarettes, I had made a lot of cash and whatever cash I made all went to my mother. This meant that I had certain privileges, e.g., I could request a special meal for myself when others (my family) had to get by, by eating rice and boiled tapioca. 

My efforts as the street peddler had paid off - Nasi Lemak anyone?