NICHOLAS Lim Pinn Yang has two resolutions for the new year.  One is to lose weight and the other is to do a good deed every day.

Since January, Penang-born Lim has been asking random strangers for help. Sometimes he even begs for money.

Lim told The Malaysian Insight that everyone he approached had been willing to help.

These acts of kindness, said the 30-year-old bachelor, were touching.

“I wanted to lose weight and do something good every day. 

“That was when I had thought of giving money to people but before that, I would ask them for help.

“Sometimes at a store, I pretend not to have enough money to buy a drink and asked the cashier for help. Sometimes I ask for discounts from a florist.

“Everyone helped me without asking for anything in return.

“When I told told them that this was a social experiment, they refused to take my money. I had to force them to take it because they deserved it,” Lim said.

Lim said he usually paid them RM50 to RM100. He said he has so far spent RM10,000.

These encounters are recorded for TikTok, where he has more than 200,000 followers.

He keeps the social experiment for the evenings.

Lim said he was inspired by his father.

“I am not from a rich family. My father used to work at a market in Penang and as a kid I always followed him to work. He would help people or feed stray animals.

“I learnt a lot from him and I look up to him,” said Lim.

“At the end of the day, you’ll realise that no matter who you are, regardless of race and religion, only kindness matters,” he added.

Lim said he would continue surprising people for as long as he can.

“There is no deadline. I want to do good every day. I am currently based in Penang and Kuala Lumpur. I am looking forward to giving gifts in other states.” – March 1, 2023.