There’s no nation without individuals who make up the society that lives in it, and what makes a country great is not necessarily its material riches, but the values carried by every individual on a daily basis.

This Merdeka, retail giant Tesco wants to amplify these values that through two short stories shared by their very own staff.


These two Malaysians, despite being normal civilians, managed to overcome their challenges and become the individuals that we could all look up to.

Check out ‘Cerita Orang Kita’ (story of our people) below and who knows, maybe we could learn a thing or two from them:

‘Besi Buruk’

‘Besi Buruk’ is the story of Mohd Zulhelmi Izzudin a staff at Tesco who went through great hardships in life (including living on the streets) before gaining employment with the company.

The 24-year-old from Kedah shares his experience of traveling from the northern state to Kuala Lumpur looking for a better life, only to find that it is not easy to find a place in a city filled with millions of other hopefuls.

Not knowing anyone in the big city or how to go about looking for a job, Zulhelmi ended up living on the streets on his first day in the city but was picked up by the authorities.


Lucky for him, Malaysians are often kind and in his darkest times, he found light through organisations that helped homeless people to find their way back into the society.

Zulhelmi was enrolled into a rehabilitation programme, and through it found his current job with Tesco.

“I won’t say I have an easy life now but I’m comfortable,” he said.

To improve his life, Zulhelmi also collects and sells ‘besi buruk’, a derogatory nickname he was once called but is a source of income for him now.

His story is that of many Malaysians, who despite the hardships they go through stay strong and find opportunities that are abundant in this country.

‘The Golden Heart’

A smile could change a person’s day and Mildred Rosaline Fletcher is someone who gives it out easily.

After retiring from her lifelong service in the nursing industry, the 72-year-old (who doesn’t look even a year older than 60) didn’t stay home long.

The cheerful lady decided to join the customer service industry instead by becoming a part of the Tesco family and spread her positivity to customers who visit the store.


Despite having to go through one of the toughest challenges life could throw at a person – losing her beloved daughter – Mildred has stayed a happy person who believes in spreading the joy.

“Sometimes, I meet customers who’re not so happy when they come in the morning. Maybe they had a bad day.

“Just give them a smile. ‘Good morning. How was your day today? Can I help you?’ And it makes a difference to them,” she said.

When Mildred is at the counter serving customers, there are no thoughts of their race or religion, just interaction between one human being to another.

These friendliness and unity is what makes Malaysia home to many of us.

We are all Malaysians

This Hari Merdeka, let us forget about politics and strive ahead together as Malaysians, and remember what makes Malaysia an amazing place to live in – the people who practice common values and live harmoniously as well as the opportunities we have in abundance.

Tesco would like to wish all Malaysians a Selamat Hari Merdeka and Malaysia Day!

Now, go out and give your neighbour a hug.