KUALA LUMPUR: A 34-year-old single mother of three who works as a security guard at a school has no qualms about the job she chose.
Siti Munira Mat Daud said the work enables her to put food on the table after her husband died a year ago.
She has received some attention after posting some videos on TikTok. She has also faced some criticism from people who claimed that her 'menial' job did not suit her youthful age
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When speaking to Harian Metro, Siti Munira said she has been a security guard at a primary school near here for the past seven years after she was unable to meet requirements to become a policewoman.
She admitted to having a keen interest in a career in security and this always motivated her to do her job with dedication, pride and honour.
"In the past, when I sent my children to school, I used to see the security guards on duty and it crossed my mind that perhaps I should apply to become a security guard.
"So I did. I had asked my late husband Sarizan Ahmad Kamel's permission to become a security guard.
"I wear my uniform with pride. Even though I never made the cut to become a policewoman, I am still able to carry out the duty of keeping the peace and making sure people are safe. The only difference is that my responsibility involves the children, teachers and staff at the school," she told Harian Metro when met here recently.
Siti Munira said she received some brickbats from netizens after posting videos of herself on TikTok.
"I have been through a lot especially after being active on TikTok. Some netizens said, ' Ah, you work as a security guard but you are too much'. Others said I do not work properly and claim I am constantly playing with my phone.
"But I do not take it to heart. I ignore the negativity. I know my job. I take it very seriously. I am not on TikTok when I am working because I know it's important to ensure the safety of my wards, especially the children. I am lucky as the headmaster and teachers here are all nice."
She said she also goes the extra mile to care for the pupils.
"I get along quite well with many of the parents as some of them have become my friends. Sometimes, I send their children home or to their parents' workplace when they are unable to do so," said Siti Munira whose own children are aged seven to 14.
She said working as a security guard is not something embarrassing for the younger generation.
She and a few of her colleagues are highly qualified, but they were unable to get the right job that suited them.
"Nowadays many of the younger generation choose this line of work and become security guards because such a career demands a high level of discipline and being firm when on the job.
"I have job satisfaction when I know all the students, teachers, staff and parents have returned home safely."
When talking about her TikTok videos, she said she likes to share what she does for a living so that people know the job of a security guard is not something to be taken lightly.
She assured that she never reveals details of her workplace even though many people asked where does she works.
Siti Munira admitted she received enquiries about her relationship status and people who wanted to get to know her better.
She said she wants to remain single for now.
She said she makes TikTok videos just for entertainment and to retain memories.
"I am not looking for a significant other even though a few men messaged me wanting to get acquainted.
"When they find out that I am a single mother, some of them want to be serious, but I politely decline because I am a mother and my focus is on my three children after my husband's death," she said adding that Sarizan died due to heart ailment and high blood pressure complications.
