Where Have Singapore's Karung Gunis Gone? | Hidden Hustles

Most of us can recall karung guni uncles and aunties from when we were younger, but why do we barely see them anymore?
In 2001, the National Recycling Programme required door-to-door karung gunis to work with recycling firms, but some of them chose to work on their own - like Botak.
In this episode, Adel follows him on the job and gets a glimpse into the elusive community of scrap collectors and dealers in Singapore.
Join our channel's KZbin Memberships and support OGS' videos:
bit.ly/OGSytmem
SUBSCRIBE TO US:
bit.ly/OGSKZbin
Find #OurGrandfatherStory everywhere!
nOm (NEW FOOD CHANNEL): / nombyogs
TikTok: / ourgrandfatherstory
Instagram (SG🇸🇬): / ourgrandfatherstory
Facebook: ourgran...
For media pitches, events and invites: [e-mail]
For business enquiries: [e-mail]

[@OGS.Official]

Interested in seeing some behind-the-scenes content? Watch us chat with the producers and hosts of Hidden Hustles here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmW4XqOfaMeIsJI

[@sophiaisabelle01]

It’s nice to see documentaries focusing more on these hidden hustles. We can all see how much the world changes in just a snap of a finger. Keep up the great work. May God bless you.

[@koonhowgoh591]

'I don't know, I will think about it when it happens' This is sums up nicely how Singaporeans are treating our working class seniors today. We need to admit that there are not enough skillsfuture or smart nation initiatives that will properly equip our 67 year old uncles who worked in manufacturing all his life to adapt to our 4G or 5G fast paced globalised economy. We should be looking at sustainable ways to grow every individual's career or skills to ensure that we can all eventually retire with dignity. Let us all learn from the mistakes and wrongs we did to this generation and apply it to our generation. ffs I want to retire one day.

[@andyng5321]

which part of the video does he say this?

[@user-tz3wz7et8w]

@@andyng5321 pls just watch the full video

[@andyng5321]

@@user-tz3wz7et8w because I just wanted to know what he was referring to, because I am only 32 and already found myself in the same plight as him, ie. no money, so I am not even thinking about when I am 60. Was that what he was saying?

[@alexsandrkerensky7457]

He’s had 27 years to adapt, dont complain!!!!!😊

[@andyng5321]

@@alexsandrkerensky7457 what do you mean

[@CrazyPaperSun]

Thank you Adel for showing us a profession that we all forgotten but need. It is heart wrenching to even begin to think that livelihoods would be affected by the ever fast changing world.

[@OGS.Official]

Hi Aaron! Thank you for this kind comment :D It's a team effort and I would like to thank the team that's working tirelessly behind the scenes for allowing me this opportunity to learn more about Botak's community. It's heart wrenching, but hopefully through such videos we will be able to shed more light on professions that are often hidden or forgotten. - Adel

[@hannahgohya]

being someone that used to look forward to seeing my auntie garang guni every other week when i was a kid, this brought about a lot of feelings; mostly sadness. i found myself hoping to see the auntie i used to know, on this video but putting two and two together, i reckon she's no longer here. something deeply profound about seeing Botak and these other old folks doing what we should all be doing. we can only hope that we all generate less waste, not because i want them to stop having jobs but rather, it'll make for a better world for us all and we will be able to use their skills to do more and different things. i've always loved OGS and dream of working with the team someday. this is what journalism should be and this is what inspires us all. thank you for this beautiful piece.

[@shnizzlsmashizzls]

this was beautifully edited! loved the sound design right from start till finish and i also loved the entire pacing of this video. amazing job on this episode team! thanks for giving this community a voice ❤

[@kklum6998]

The unsung heroes that are saving the environment. Kudos.

[@thairinkhudr4259]

Thanks so much for sharing the stories of the people we would otherwise turn a blind eye to. I am Malaysian and I hope someday we have productions like this of your cinematic quality so that we are more aware of the stories of the people around us, especially the less fortunate. I think your work helps us to be more empathic of others, and help encourage others to share the burden or normalise the less known/less popular industries like Bryan.

[@EmoMcBuNNy]

Always wondered where these rag and bone men went! Nice to see a feature on them now.

[@duckseatingbread]

Such beautiful shots and colour! Thanks for the insight into this community

[@May-cp7xc]

Adel, you are doing a good job. Love your genuine and sincere interview approach.

[@m2103l]

I really love the content that you guys put out. ❤️ Growing up there used to be many garang gunis visiting my block but now we don't see them anymore. We have companies asking for recyclable donations instead. Never knew that they were still collecting but from dumpsters instead. Perhaps some kind soul or organisation could help to facilitate donations for them. I Def won't mind

[@Jack-hy2ki]

He is staying in a 3 rm or 4 rm corner unit. Doubt he needs any donation. Plus he is earning himself and enjoying his beers. Not forgetting monetary support from MSF to super low income earner.

[@rivvie2008]

Super thoughtful of you guys to explore these topics. Thank you for your efforts

[@jolenetan9706]

Such a contemplative piece from ogs …!

[@Jefftato]

Beautiful storytelling

[@stargazeronesixseven]

We have learnt that Karung guni is a Malay word for Gunny Sack , maybe in older days , they used gunny sacks to carry these found items! ...

[@DorkyPaperbag]

Loved this video! Didn’t realise Karang Gunis are disappearing… what can we do to help Botak?

[@Jack-hy2ki]

Help him connect to MSF? If MSF and him already connected MSF will tell u too.

[@jovilawjiewei8838]

maybe make a video for him to share his experience

[@nieiniei]

Pay him for 'collecting' or help him dismantle.

[@Nina_nck]

Tbh, I really miss uncle shouting "karung guni" or honk his equipment "ngik ngok ngik ngok" (please don't be mistaken with uncle ice cream) 😅.

[@lotus108able]

It’s really competitive around my area…rounds of pple collecting for “exercise”…sometimes things “vanishes within mins

[@shawnhow4163]

Miss garung guni trumpets and selling newspapers and getting some pocket money. It is a physically labourous job, being looed down upon and despised on, but have we stood in their shoes and understand what they are doing, they are just making a decent and honest living.

[@OGS.Official]

When was the last time you saw a karung guni uncle or auntie in your estate??

[@melordise8532]

6 years ago, before moving into my new house

[@druhseenuh]

I've always heard them (more than I've seen them) around my HDB apartment, and the most recent time I've heard a "kaaarang guniiiiii" was around a couple weeks back haha

[@imikfunartsproductions7444]

Just few days back

[@acooi1]

Couple of weeks back. Realised they are younger, & unlike uncle Botak.

[@crunchy7003]

5 yearrs ago

[@memyselfandi7529]

My utmost respect to this guy! I hope the best for Botak

[@WWK186]

There should be a system to inform garung guni to collect discarded items. The random method could be a waste of time as people need time to prepare for collection or might not be at home when they come.

[@tommyfield8449]

Agreed. I know HDB now has a disposable area for bigger item like Fridge,Washing Machine & etc,however how long can we left these unattended? My suggestion is that,when these delivery person send you a new appliances,we can ask them to disposed these item at a centre. We need to have a disposable centre for waste like fridge,then this will reduce Karung Guni for searching spare part.

[@badboi888]

Uncle should change job go for delivery gigs, rent/buy a PMA if too tired to ride bike, would definitely earn more than being karung gunis. Seen many young non-disabled teens riding PMA doing delivery gigs in my areas too.

[@tommyfield8449]

Talk is easy. Uncle is so old,buy pmd already how much? He seem so illiterate.

[@TK-ib4ln]

What is Botak’s contact? Might have some stuff for him!

[@muhammadfadly8338]

The SG of the 1990's is no more....

[@Jack-hy2ki]

Which country still have?

[@DeafRookielahs2]

@@Jack-hy2ki SG = Singapore. It is a small country, with safer and richer cities. You must help low or middle (not more than $6k or so) income people who suffer from money or help an injured person. Avoid high-income persons. 2nd CCTVs In Singapore (1st CCTVs in China) There has a 9% GST prices like 20, 50, cents, and more than 1 dollar. Like supplies or others. 7-8 % GST Price in a long story. Singapore don't have any farms or something because it is an “illegal” GST- Good service Tax

[@ariffinwahaha]

Thank you for the coverage and sharing. ❤

[@noproblematallmate]

Nowadays they just need to scavange the recycling bins and rubbish chute downstairs HDB to have all their loot. No need to 1 storey by 1 storey and still need pay people for their thrash (like last time). Nowadays people throw so much goodies downstairs especially in newer estate including cardboard from home parcel deliveries. It's good money and the people doing it will not tell you.

[@Ramy-ql3tr]

Sadly there is lack of support for small businesses from the government.

[@JL-rq8cd]

Adel you are so cute! Thks for this thoughtful video

[@Emmanuel_Rivera1]

Great short documentary.

[@ryoji_matsuoka_singapore]

Its interesting to know that he operates at home. I wonder how his neighbours could tolerate the noise and clutter?

[@elaine1520]

singapore is a rich country but with many people who are still trying to make the ends meet.

[@Jack-hy2ki]

Every country is the same. Sg very good already. Look at US, Australia, UK and etc their homeless are everywhere.

[@mrphantom8608]

​@@Jack-hy2ki U need to look at the size of the country too.

[@Jack-hy2ki]

@@mrphantom8608 there are many countries either similar size or smaller than sg still 3rd world. What u gonna say about that? Small doesn't equal easy to manage. Big also doesn't mean very difficult to manage.

[@mrphantom8608]

@@Jack-hy2ki Alright, just name me any country that is around the size of Singapore but is a third world country!

[@Jack-hy2ki]

@@mrphantom8608 Tonga, Kiribati, Micronesia, Dominica

[@moozel4757]

It's sad that the prices the uncle can sell them for are getting lower while inflation keeps growing. Its twice as worse for them.

[@Jdjdjaedey]

Love this channel 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹

[@lotus108able]

Many “reappeared” online on carousell 😅

[@Jack-hy2ki]

He has a big house. Corner unit somemore.

[@bimokresno]

so, karung gunis in singapore is title of a person who collect useable trash? in indonesia we have 'karung goni' but it a bag, a sack or burlap (gunny sack) made from natural thread such as tree bark that usually used for storing seed or bean like rice or coffee. a person like him, in indonesia we called 'pemulung'. but, we do know what 'botak' means and it is the same as singaporean.... 'bald'

[@SubZero-qi9hk]

Gone? Either retired or new generation not willing to take over to do this job. Furthermore not many people read newspapers nowadays and old clothes given to charity or just thrown under the void deck. Same goes to home appliances.

[@Colegegreen]

Yes, I missed the rag and bones “man”. Used to see them so often in the 70. Seems like they went underground??

[@nieiniei]

The big companies like Colex who collect the domestic trash were offering to collect the 'recyclables' for free. My estate has been using Ace Recycling for many years. Not sure if we are still using them but we pay them a fix sum a year for collecting our recyclables as they will keep them segregated unlike Colex who will consolidate the 3 bin contents - metal, glass, cardboard all together in their big truck and send to the sorting center. We think the recycling will be minimal there. I wish the government will make it consistent so that big companies will not undercut real recycling companies. Also for sustainability, trashing of recyclables should not be free. In the past when there's fewer trash, collectors can choose to share their earnings with trashers. But now we have a pandemic of waste causing global unsustainable environment, pollution and hazards for exploited workers/ slaves from extraction of minerals to recycling. Consumers should bear the cost of trashing earth.

[@Potomacstud]

Superb

[@apaini9941]

Another factor: society's mindset.. Need to change...

[@linhwang6651]

They provide the services and play a part in recycling while earn a living.

[@DeafRookielahs2]

What happened without money, electrical, and water supply? Survive yourself.

[@SuperGopi56]

It encourages recycling habit, because people threw those recyclable items which just goes to waste in dumpster.

[@sombrance]

Aiya all doing food delivery already... Pay more, work less.

[@Honeymagmangospoof]

Or taxi/grab

[@chanqiuyuee]

even my house karung guni uncle stopped doing and is working at my house downstairs coffee shop instead. guess the economy really quite bad now. they need to earn a living by earning more.

[@chanqiuyuee]

we used to call him up to collect scraps, because he lives in the 3rd floor and we live in the 15th floor... no more i guess

[@nu_ri1507]

It's been 2 years since I have last seen karung gunis

[@singapore_liu8639]

This girl cute sia

[@AEPEDITSAEP]

But my Parents tell me i will get kidnapped siah, Now whenever i hear horn or whatever bs eh😂, My parents say i get kidnapped😂😂😂😂😂

[@bigpapa1472]

Sorry for asking, but what happened to her hair..

[@limousine2742]

alopecia

[@sengpunnara5615]

Hi.✌✌

[@geminifact2447]

Grabfood foodpanda

[@terrencekennedy1318]

Because PRC came here to take over

[@Jack-hy2ki]

Same as our PRC or malay or Indian ancestors who came here and took over SG.

[@huaiwei]

@@Jack-hy2ki our ancestors don't come from PRC. It did not exist back then, unless you are a recent immigrant.

[@Jack-hy2ki]

@@huaiwei Hahaha. Still the same piece of land. Still the same bloodline. Still the same culture. Still the same heritage. Just different gov. If sg gov changed r we still the same Singaporean? Lol.

[@huaiwei]

@@Jack-hy2ki you said the PRC, which is clearly wrong. Get that basic fact straight and admit a basic mistake was made instead of sprouting all kinds of face-saving stuff no one needs. ;)

[@Jack-hy2ki]

@@huaiwei dude u unable to accept that PRC is just a regime called? Then that's your problem. PRC = to ppl from China. Your ancestors not from China? Be it PRC or ROC or Qing dynasty ppl they are all from China. U want to differentiate to Han and Manchurian and other descendents?

[@ramsyhai8498]

Disgusting garanguni going around cutting fan motors especially kdk n Panasonic brands knn everytime I see my favourite brand thrown away always no motor than the cheap fans those chibai NVR go cut

[@dwichiesa]

Basically degree is useless? Just go trade industry

[@33myself]

tbh, money isn't everything. If everyone goes trade industry, then who is going to do other jobs? everyone has a role and place in society. No job is bad or useless. we should be more accepting towards ppl taking on these jobs when no one else wants to. If not, without them, who would?

[@lotus108able]

Money might not be alot but indirectly he’s contributing to saving the environment by recycling…u’ll b surprised some of the workable items being discarded

[@macrick]

@@33myself The trade industries in SG pay is like shit.

[@DeafRookielahs2]

Money is not worth.

[@cococlovera7790]

You should have donated some money to him

[@lordalfa600]

They have pride. A handout destroys that.

[@macrick]

Give a job with a decent pay.

[@Jack-hy2ki]

He lives in a 3 or 4 rm corner unit HDB. I doubt he needs donation. Plus he is earning money himself and still can enjoy his beers. Not forgetting MSF monetary support for super low income.

[@huaiwei]

How insulting.

[@DeafRookielahs2]

I don't know who he is.

[@realgrilledsushi]

Is that a woman? WTF with the haircut?

[@karebu2]

Pity the residents. Freaking noisy at 5-6am

[@DeafRookielahs2]

Then you can escape the noisy non-town and cities. Forest made you quiet and keep calm.