Love Without Rest : They Were Labourers Once. Now, Their Only Job Is Remembering Who They Are

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.

Labour Day is often marked by rest, a pause to recognise the people who keep workplaces running

But while many step away from their duties on 1 May, a small group of women continues as they do every other day, almost around the clock — tending, lifting, feeding, and soothing those who are no longer able to care for themselves.

At the centre of this quiet, relentless routine is Faezah Ali and her team of five caretakers.

Together, they care for 24 elderly women, aged between their 60s and 90s, each carrying a life shaped by sacrifice.

These are not just residents in need of assistance; they are former labourers themselves.

Women who once worked tirelessly, who gave their strength to others, and, in many cases, set aside the chance to build families of their own.

Now, they live without immediate kin.

For many, even memories have begun to fade — eroded by dementia, clouded by schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or weighed down by depression.

"Pertubuhan Kebajikan Pusat Jagaan Sri Mesra was established in 2013. We started in Gombak before moving to Taman Sri Watan in 2015.

"This is a place for Muslim women (who are unmarried) who wish to find companionship later in syurga," Faezah said.

Referring to herself simply as "aku penjaga nenek" — a caretaker of grandmothers — Faezah's journey into this work was shaped by years on the hospital floor. 

She spent five years in the elderly ward at Pantai Cheras Medical Centre and later worked with Hospis Malaysia as a palliative nurse. 

"I used to dream of opening a private elderly care centre, but God had other plans. 

"Together with a few other nurses, we set up this non-governmental organisation to help improve the quality of life for these women," she said.

Despite their age and condition, Faezah said the women in her care have become her greatest teachers.

"I once shared the story of Nenek Kiah. She was an incredible person — blind, and tested in so many ways. 

"When she passed away, I thought I was the only one grieving. But so many others, even on social media, felt the loss.

"She didn't just teach me. She taught everyone — about patience, sincerity, joy, and never giving up," she said.

During the four years Nenek Kiah lived at the centre, Faezah said she never once saw her cry; instead, she was deeply moved by the elderly woman's constant reminders to speak kindly and truthfully.

The work is demanding, and there are no days off.

Yet, in the midst of exhaustion, there are moments that quietly affirm their purpose.

"There was a time someone came and gave one of the grandmothers RM10.

"When we asked what she wanted to do with it, she said she would use RM2 to buy bread, and the remaining RM8 she wanted to give to the caretaker.

"When she said that, I couldn't hold back my tears. At that moment, I felt seen, appreciated and proud," she said.

Faezah said that although there are no blood ties, the bonds formed run deep.

Over the years, she said, they have lost 62 of the women they cared for.

"Imagine giving your love and care every single day — not just as a caretaker, but sometimes as a friend, even as a daughter.

"When they leave, it never gets easier," she said.

Earlier, Faezah received a visit from Kelab Wanita Ikon Malaysia Wilayah Persekutuan, who spent time reciting Yassin, engaging with the elderly residents, and presenting donations.

Apart from donations, the centre is also sustained through funds raised from the sale of books written by Faezah, based on her experiences in caring for the elderly.