One man's wastage is another man's economic stimulus!

Datuk Zainal Alam, senior RTM broadcaster,
entertainer, singer, and stand-up comedian.
© Star

Of late, they have been talks of unspeakable wastage of stream of milk filling the drains of Batu Caves all along the days surrounding Thaipusam. Money that otherwise can be used for the upliftment of the Indian Malaysian community is said to be literally down the drain.

Milk, as described by Datuk Zainal Alam, a fellow Penangite, comedian, entertainer extraordinaire, is the first and last thing consumed by humans and would not have been so much stature and reverence in life is not for its pristine white hue. Imagine a purple liquid called 'milk'! I digress...

Much has also griped about the humongous garland donned upon 'The First Lady' and her consort, which would have taken half an acre's yield, going to waste.

Ever since my language teacher in Form 1 (AA), told the class that we could not say the space expedition is a waste of money in our essay as money just changes hands, I took upon the idea. These acts of pouring gallons of milk, breaking grosses of coconuts, deflowering of plants to glorify idols are not usually a waste of resources. In fact, it stimulates economic activity. Dairy farmers, small plantation holders, florists, middlemen, transportation companies, and even labourers benefit tremendously from this sudden surge of demand. It would improve the production and distribution of these items. The philanthropic act is still done but people have to work for it - no handouts!

It is just like the Chettiars in the early history of our country. They were big landowners but were contented in keeping them idle for cows to graze and keep trespassers at bay. When the Chinese bought over the land when the British gave away independence and the Chettiars returned to their motherland, they started building supermarkets, factories, restaurants etcetera there. This had a snowball effect on related businesses and eventually these small and medium industries have now become the lynch pinch of Malaysia's economy. But then, these activities are still going to leave our carbon footprints of which our descendants will be cursing and trying to clean up. May all the worshipping now would help them then!