MP praises cabby on Facebook for returning lost wallet

SINGAPORE - Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, Mr Zainudin Nordin, took to his Facebook page on Tuesday, in praise of a cabby who found and returned his lost wallet.

He wrote:

"Yesterday I lost my wallet. Panicked and felt silly for being careless. Made all the necessary calls and even reported the loss to the NPC. Was resigned to not finding it again.

"This morning, I received a call from Mr Chan Teck Koon who drives a 'TransCab' taxi. He had found my wallet in his cab. What a relief. I am so greatful and thankful for his honesty and care. Met the humble family man at the Marine Parade HDB carpark to collect my wallet.

"Mr Chan Teck Koon, thank you."

When contacted by the Shin Min Daily News, Mr Zainudin said he had misplaced his wallet in the cab while on his way from Ang Mo Kio Hub to Simei at about 4pm on Monday afternoon. He was in Simei to collect his car from a workshop and only realised his wallet was missing when he was trying to make a payment.

Mr Zainudin said the wallet contained cash, credit cards and ATM cards. However, he was most upset about losing a photo in his wallet of him and his family. After a night of waiting, Mr Zainudin received news the next morning that his wallet had been found.

According to the Chinese evening daily, Mr Zainudin said the cabby, Mr Chan, 50, refused his offer of a token of appreciation.

The cab-driver of 13 years told Shin Min that he had not known that Mr Zainudin was an MP during the journey.  

Mr Chan said he found the wallet at about 5pm that evening when he ended his shift.

"I thought he might be anxious, but it was past working hours, so I made the call first thing the next morning. I was glad to have had the opportunity to ferry him." said Mr Chan.

candicec@sph.com.sg