Tucked in the city of Penang is a small eatery, 7 Road Kitchen. What was seemingly a normal restaurant has now become a heated topic, especially after receiving multiple Google reviews that one of the employees working in the shop is rude and too loud.

Owner of the eatery defends staff with hearing impairment.
Owner of the eatery defends staff with hearing impairment.
Image credits: China Press

He’s not loud, he has hearing impairment

While many are quick to jump onto the band wagon, hating on the staff for having a “bad attitude”, the owner of the stall then clarified that the man isn’t rude, he just has hearing impairment. Sharing the story to Chinese daily China Press, he mentioned that Ah Tat, is a 54-year-old who’s been working at his stall for just two months.

What many customers didn’t know is that Ah Tat has hearing difficulties, which is why he often speaks louder than others. “He’s not being rude; he just can’t hear well,” Cheong explained, hoping people would cut him some slack.

Cheong describes Ah Tat as a hardworking man.
Image credits: China Press

Incredible work ethics

Despite the complaints, Cheong couldn’t speak more highly of Ah Tat’s work ethic. In fact, he calls him one of the most hardworking people he’s ever hired. Even though he was originally tasked with simpler duties like making drinks, serving food, and washing cups, Ah Tat is always eager to help, often rushing to greet customers and take orders the moment they walk in, even if Cheong tells him to slow down.

“He’s supposed to start at 7 am, but he usually shows up at 6 and doesn’t leave until 9 pm,” Cheong shared. It turns out Ah Tat, who is single and lives in Jelutong, rides his electric bicycle to work every day and had come by the shop multiple times asking for a job before Cheong decided to hire him so he could earn a basic living.

Prior to hiring Ah Tat, he has come by his shop multiple times asking for a job so he could earn a basic living.
Prior to hiring Ah Tat, he has come by his shop multiple times asking for a job so he could earn a basic living.
Image credits: China Press

Everybody makes mistakes

Of course, things aren’t always perfect. There have been mix-ups, like when Ah Tat accidentally serves iced chrysanthemum instead of iced coffee or repeats orders by mistake. And yes, some customers find his enthusiasm a bit much, with one customer saying, “He handed me the menu and immediately told me what to eat before I even had a chance to look,” while another described him asking, “Water ordered or not?” in a tone they felt was abrupt.

While Ah Tat makes mistakes occasionally, Cheong remains patient and often encourages him to try his best, after all we are all humans.
While Ah Tat makes mistakes occasionally, Cheong remains patient and often encourages him to try his best, after all we are all humans.
Image credits: China Press

Some also said his voice could be heard across the entire coffee shop. But Cheong doesn’t see it as a reason to let go of someone who’s simply trying to do his best despite his limitations. “He’s not out here begging or stealing. He just wants to work. I hope people can give him a chance,” Cheong said.

Cheong commends Ah Tat's hardworking nature.
Cheong commends Ah Tat’s hardworking nature.
Image credits: China Press

In a world quick to criticise, sometimes a little compassion can go a long way.

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