From Tourist Guide to Humanitarian: Mummy Cyndi Yong’s Journey from Unemployment to Feeding the Poor

The global pandemic that began in 2020 brought untold hardship to many Malaysians. Over 700,000 people lost their jobs, and entire industries, particularly tourism, crumbled under the weight of lockdowns and travel restrictions. Among those deeply affected was Mummy Cyndi Yong, a licensed tourist guide for about two decades. Her career, which once involved leading VIP tourists through the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, vanished overnight. Left jobless and struggling, Mummy Cyndi, a single mother, found herself searching for new ways to survive. Little did she know, her path would soon take her in a completely unexpected and profoundly impactful direction.

A Life-Changing Encounter
With a young daughter, Latreia, to care for, Mummy Cyndi faced both financial and emotional turmoil after losing her job in 2020. She quickly exhausted her savings, and her situation became desperate. She was forced to cut out all non-essential expenses and struggled to keep up with her daughter’s school fees, even considering homeschooling her. To survive, Mummy Cyndi had to rely on food queues to feed herself and her daughter, reaching a point where food became her only priority. One day, Mummy Cyndi walked through a familiar Chinatown and experienced two contrasting encounters that highlighted the differences in people’s hearts. First, she visited a large coffee shop she often took foreign guests to, but when she asked the owner, who knew her well, for a drink, he abruptly rejected her and asked her to leave. Later, she stopped by a noodle stall she had rarely visited. After asking about the price and explaining she only had RM5, the stall owner not only made a full bowl of noodles for her but also gave her an extra bowl for her daughter, reassuring her not to worry about payment. This act of kindness contrasted sharply with the earlier rejection, showing the generosity and compassion of some people. This simple act of kindness left Mummy Cyndi overwhelmed and moved her to tears.

However, at that moment, she also realized that many others were in even worse situations than she was. “There are so many people on the streets with nowhere to go. I still have a place to sleep at night, but what about them?” she reflected. This encounter sparked a newfound purpose in her life, and Mummy Cyndi became determined to give back to those less fortunate.

The Birth of Petaling Street Community Care (PSCC)
In the midst of her personal crisis, Mummy Cyndi founded Petaling Street Community Care (PSCC), a street ministry based in Kuala Lumpur, West Malaysia, dedicated to serving the marginalized. After seeking permission from an elderly coffee shop owner, Mummy Cyndi began feeding the homeless, elderly, handicapped, and jobless. Her efforts quickly gained support, and within a week, PSCC fed 50 people in need, daily.

This was the start of a remarkable ministry that continues to provide for the poor and homeless in Kuala Lumpur. PSCC feeds the hungry at least three times a week, with hopes to increase that number if funds allow. But Mummy Cyndi’s work goes beyond just food; she offers other necessities like blankets, clothing, sandals, and toiletries to help people through difficult nights.

“When I go around at night and see them covering themselves with the blankets I gave, it’s very heartwarming,” she shared, highlighting the importance of giving more than just sustenance—she gives dignity and hope.

A Family Mission
For Mummy Cyndi, her ministry is deeply personal, and her family plays an important role. She has been a single mother for nine years to her daughter Latreia, who is actively involved in the ministry work. Mummy Cyndi believes that compassion should be taught by example, and by including Latreia in their street ministry, she ensures her daughter grows up with a strong sense of empathy and responsibility toward others.

“No matter how rich and successful a person may be, it’s of no real value without compassion,” Mummy Cyndi says, underlining the core values she hopes to instill in her daughter.

A New Chapter: God’s Promise Fulfilled
In 2018, Mummy Cyndi received a promise from God that He would provide her with a lifetime partner—a “Boaz” to support her. This promise came to fruition just three months ago on July 7th, 2023, when she married Victor Lo. Victor has since become a steadfast anchor in Mummy Cyndi’s ministry, supporting PSCC and its mission to serve “the Last, the Least, and the Lost.” Together, Mummy Cyndi and Victor now work side by side, sharing the burden and joy of their calling to help the marginalized.

Recognition on an International Stage
Mummy Cyndi’s work has earned her recognition far beyond Malaysia’s borders. In 2022, she was invited to speak at the N5 International Conference in Singapore, representing Malaysia. Notably, Mummy Cyndi was the only female speaker at the prestigious event, where she shared her experiences and the lessons she’s learned through PSCC. Her story of resilience and compassion resonated with many, showcasing how grassroots efforts like hers can address pressing social issues like poverty and homelessness.

On October 10, 2024, World Homeless Day, she was also invited to speak to the New Hope Community Services, the largest community services in Singapore, working to change the lives of displaced and disadvantaged in the community.

Widespread Media Coverage
Mummy Cyndi’s extraordinary work through PSCC has caught the attention of local and international media alike. Her story has been widely covered by outlets such as Al-Jazeera, TV8, and the national newspaper Sin Chew Jit Poh. Even Mariam Mokhtar, a respected columnist, dubbed her the “Angel of Mercy” in a MalaysiaKini article, recognizing her selfless dedication to helping the homeless and poor in Kuala Lumpur.

Despite the accolades, Mummy Cyndi remains grounded and focused on her mission. For her, it’s not about the recognition but about making a real difference in the lives of those she serves.

Transforming Lives, One Person at a Time
Mummy Cyndi’s ministry is not only about providing physical sustenance. She takes the time to connect with the people she helps, learning their stories and treating them with the dignity they deserve. One such story is that of Raj, a homeless ex-convict who came to PSCC for a meal. Mummy Cyndi, noticing a language barrier, enlisted the help of a friend to translate, allowing them to have a meaningful conversation. Months later, Raj returned, calling out to Mummy Cyndi with the word “Amma”—mother in Tamil. He told her that their conversation gave him hope and made him feel valued, reminding him that life could still improve despite his difficult past.

This personal connection is what makes PSCC special. Mummy Cyndi’s work doesn’t just feed the body; it nourishes the soul, offering emotional and spiritual healing to those who need it most.

Join Mummy Cyndi in Her Mission
Mummy Cyndi’s story is a testament to how one act of kindness can spark a movement of generosity and compassion. However, sustaining Petaling Street Community Care requires public support. Mummy Cyndi continues to rely on donations and volunteers to keep her ministry running.

“Hope is important because without it, people would give up. So, let us be someone who would lift another person from a pit,” Mummy Cyndi says, reflecting on the importance of community support during difficult times.

If Mummy Cyndi’s story has moved you, consider donating to or volunteering with PSCC. They are currently praying for God’s provision for a shelter for the homeless. To learn more or to offer support through volunteering or donations, you can reach out via their Facebook page: Petaling Street Community Care or contact Mummy Cyndi at +6016 6418877. Together, we can help make a difference in the lives of Kuala Lumpur’s most vulnerable.

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