M’sian father travels to Singapore to visit his son
No love is as unconditional or as deep as that of a parent. Whatever we may be going through, their steadfast love remains an anchoring constant in our lives.
A 67-year-old man from Johor has spent the last 10 years of his life, waking up in the wee hours of the morning to travel down to Singapore on his motorcycle, just to meet with his son who is in jail for a mere 15 minutes.
A devoted father goes to great lengths to see his son
Parents would move mountains for their children, and the story of Cheong Kah Pin – a farmer in Johor – shows that the sentiment is no exaggeration.
Singapore news site 8 World News recently shared a heartrending story of the 67-year-old father, who wakes up as early as 2am in the morning to embark on a journey to Singapore, on his humble motorcycle. This was so that Cheong would be able to visit his son, who is currently serving his sentence in Changi Prison.
Image credit: 8 World News
Cheong told 8 World News that he would start his journey early as he is old and prefers to ride his motorcycle slowly especially when the roads are dark. Upon arriving at the destination about an hour later, he would wait by the petrol station opposite Changi Prison for the prison doors to open up at 8am.
Image adapted from: 8 World News
This has been Cheong’s routine twice a month for a decade now. Those hours of journeying and waiting would only earn him a mere 15 minutes of visiting time with his 40-year-old son. But Cheong is dedicated to continuing the routine, so long as he gets to see his son’s face in person.
Image adapted from: 8 World News
In the video interview with 8 World News, Cheong goes on to express his gratitude to a worker at the petrol station whom he has known for a long time now, and who often invites Cheong to wait inside the petrol station’s mart with some tea.
Choking back tears, Cheong shares that his late mother had travelled all the way from Perak to Johor so she, too, could visit her grandson in jail. She had missed him sorely, and asked to follow Cheong on his next visit to the prison. But unfortunately, she passed away before she had the chance to see her grandson.
Image adapted from: 8 World News
Life imprisonment for drug trafficking
Image adapted from: 8 World News
Back in June 2008, Cheong’s oldest son – Cheong Chun Yin – was asked to deliver some goods for his friends for a payment of RM8,000. Unaware that those goods contained traces of heroin, he was caught by the Singaporean authorities on charges of drug trafficking.
Though Cheong’s son was initially sentenced to a death penalty, his application for re-sentencing saved him from a death row and instead, he received a sentence of life imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane.
Image adapted from: 8 World News
Cheong reveals that he tried everything in his power to save his son from the death sentence. He had sold three of his houses to be able to pay the lawyer fees, and even knelt on his knees to plead with the authorities to pardon his son, but his efforts were futile at that time.
Netizens lend a helping hand
Following the release of the moving story, numerous big-hearted netizens have reached out personally to Cheong to offer him some help.
Many had offered to arrange round-trip transportation for his prison visits, and even getting him a brand new motorcycle – all of which Cheong rejected. While he is extremely grateful and touched by the gestures and generosity of others, he prefers not to bother others, nor does he want to use other people’s money.
Image adapted from: 8 World News
During his recent visits to the prison, he shares that there have been passers-by buying him food, drinks and coffee – there was even someone who stuffed some money into his pocket. Overwhelmed by emotions, Cheong was moved to tears as he thanked netizens profusely for their genuine hearts and thoughts.
“Thank you for coming to help me, encouraging me and comforting me. Really thank you… really thank you”.
Image adapted from: 8 World News
If you would like to help Cheong out financially, do drop by his vegetable stall that is located in Pasar Awam Taman Johor Jaya public market, and support him by getting yourself some of his fresh greens.
The morning market operates from 3am to 10am, while the evening market is from 5pm to 10pm.
A parent’s love knows no bounds
Yet another heartfelt story that shows how unconditional a love of a parent can be. It is utterly heartbreaking to read about an elderly father doing the most he can for the short-lived joy of seeing his precious son. But let this story serve as a reminder for us to treasure our families, especially while they are still close to us physically.
For more touching stories of family, read on how this Malaysian boy sells snacks to support his mum, and the joyful tears of a mum upon reuniting with her son after two years.
Cover image adapted from: 8 World News