A Small Act of Humanity

In the heart of a busy city, where people often walk past each other with hurried steps and tired eyes, a small act of kindness can feel like a miracle. This is a story about one such moment—simple, unnoticed by the world, but powerful enough to restore faith in humanity.

Ali was a delivery rider in Kuala Lumpur. Every day, he zipped through traffic, carrying packages and meals to different corners of the city. His job was fast, stressful, and often thankless. He barely earned enough to pay rent and send money home to his mother in a distant village.

One rainy afternoon, while waiting at a red light, Ali noticed an old man sitting by the roadside, barefoot and drenched. People walked by, umbrellas above their heads, ignoring the man completely. Something stirred inside Ali. Without overthinking, he stopped his bike, parked it safely, and approached the man.

“Uncle, are you okay?” he asked in Malay.

The old man looked up slowly, his eyes filled with tears. “I haven’t eaten since yesterday,” he whispered.

Ali had only RM15 left in his wallet—the same money he had kept aside for dinner. But he didn’t hesitate. He went to a nearby stall and bought two warm meals. He sat with the man, shared food with him, and even gave him his extra raincoat. They didn’t talk much, but the silence was filled with humanity.

A few minutes later, Ali returned to his bike and continued his deliveries, soaked to the bone but feeling lighter inside.