THERE are a few Sg Pelek residents who were born here 70 or more years ago, and have never lived anywhere else. Permanent fixtures, for sure.

They – the ladies, because they are more forthcoming – know everyone. More interestingly, they know everybody’s stories, and secrets. They are the source of our ever-expanding local knowledge. But, as we found out, their own tales make for a riveting read.

One such lady, Auntie H, very early on decided that we were alright as newcomers, and took us under her wing. A widow, she spends her day riding her scooter all around town. She comes to the playground in our neighbourhood to exercise. And, she makes it a point to check on what we’re doing (I think she finds us fascinating, too. I also suspect that she loves regaling her social circle with information about us).

In between telling us about so-and-so, she would reveal details of her own life, which is fascinating as we try and picture life in this small community all those years ago.

Married very young, as was typical of her generation, she had a tough life because her husband, although running quite a busy subcontracting business, did not have the acumen to maintain a healthy cash flow. She complained that he was just too straight, and was frequently shortchanged, or not even paid, for his work.

With a growing family, their situation looked so desperate that her husband’s eldest brother gave them a plot of land, on which they built their house. With four children to bring up, Auntie H had to supplement their income. Aside from helping out at her father’s coffee farm, she earned money doing odd jobs, like hand-pollinating watermelon plants at a farm outside town.

She also started a tontine scheme, where a group of people would pool their money to be made available to any member who bids for it as a short-term loan with interest. It ran without a hitch until one time, when she was so desperate for money that she used up the funds.

There have been many instances of the “banker” in such schemes running off with the money. Auntie H, however, stayed to face the wrath of the “cheated”. It so happened that the successful bidder had planned to use the money for her daughter’s wedding.

As the scheme’s members were very familiar with each other, you can imagine how Auntie H was berated. She accepted the treatment and promised to pay back the money she had used up, plus interest. It took a long time, but she kept her word. As she related to us, it was such a relief when she could once again hold her head up high in the community.

Things eventually improved when her children were able to help out with the finances, and her husband’s business was better managed. They even enjoyed a windfall when they struck the lottery. Just as they were looking forward to her husband’s retirement, he died of a heart attack.

Definitely not someone who feels sorry for herself or fades away, Auntie H settled into her now-current routine – making her rounds among family and friends, keeping herself up to date on everyone and everything. Being a permanent fixture in the community.

Recently, the daughter of her brother-in-law, the one who gifted her family the land, asked her if she could tear down the old house, which had been left vacant, to make way for a retirement home. Auntie H offered to transfer ownership of the property, but her niece assured her that it was not necessary, as her father had willingly given it to them.

Looks like Auntie H will soon have another stop on her daily route – a close family member to check in on. – August 4, 2019.

* Mel Lee earned his way to an early retirement from his car magazine business, and moved to a small town with his wife in search of an eco-lifestyle. In their exploration of new places, backpacking on motorcycles or bicycles, they are looking for the extra in the ordinary.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.