TELUK INTAN: Menara Condong Teluk Intan, which is the Malaysian equivalent of the Leaning Tower in Pisa, still stands proudly in the town here despite being over 128 years old.
However, not many know the person responsible for ensuring the grand clock at the tower, which chimes every 15 minutes, continues to function efficiently.
Hisham Sahak, 44, affectionately known as ‘Abi,‘ has been tasked with maintaining the clock, made by clockmaker JW Benson of Ludgate Hill, London, since April 4, 2004, following the retirement of the previous caretaker.
He was initially criticized for taking the job, as it is not a paid job. The criticisms did not stop him from doing the job. Instead, it made him more determined to continue shouldering the responsibility to ensure the clock continues to chime, making the leaning tower of Teluk Intan clock an attraction for both local and foreign tourists.
After nearly two decades of maintaining the clock, Hisham, who works as a general worker at the Teluk Intan Municipal Council, is posed with questions for doing so.
“I simply turned a deaf ear to all the questions. For me, the job has been entrusted to me, and as such I must do it to the best of my ability.
“If this clock and tower are not carefully maintained, then no one would want to come and visit Teluk Intan,” he said when interviewed by Bernama.
A native of Teluk Intan, Hisham said it only took him a month to learn how the clock functions and operates, despite having no prior experience in horology.
