Taxi driver being a HERO!

taxi driver hero - Taxi driver practice honesty is the best policy.
@joycseer (845)
Malaysia
November 20, 2012 8:58pm CST
Taxi driver practice honesty is the best policy! This morning i came across this news, "Singapore taxi driver Sia Ka Tian finds and returns $900,000 in cash left by Thai couple in cab." I was shocked not because of the amount of money founded and returned by the taxi driver, but why would a person carries so much cash in hand amounting $A868,516? Fortunately the taxi driver was honest enough to return the huge sum of money to the holidaying Thai couple. And his action of honesty has stunned his colleagues. I am very happy for the taxi driver, and he did receive The driver an undisclosed amount cash reward from the grateful couple, and his company is planning to give him an award for good service too. Well, it is stated undisclosed, but i guess it is about $100,000 cash reward, since the actual amount lost is about $1million, and only $900,000 is returned. Hahaha... According to the company's spokeswoman who told the press, "Finding one million dollars in cash is not an everyday affair and in fact, we wonder how many people would have possibly been tempted to pocket it". This is so true! And i am very proud of such an honest person too! Cheers to him! \(^o^)/ Here is the link to the news: http://www.news.com.au/money/money-matters/singapore-taxi-driver-sia-ka-tian-finds-and-returns-900000-in-cash-left-by-thai-couple-in-cab/story-e6frfmd9-1226520548428
4 people like this
17 responses
@victorywp (3524)
• United States
21 Nov 12
hi joycseer, yeah, i read this news this morning too. but i read that the actual amount was $1.1 million which means he received a cash reward of $200,000. in an interview with him, he even mentioned that he doesn't feel that he wants to pocket it because he was not the owner of the money. i am proud of him for being so honest and kind. well, on the other hand, on our part, we should be careful when carrying such a huge amount of cash money around, because we don't meet such a good and honest person like him every day.
@victorywp (3524)
• United States
21 Nov 12
hi joycseer, i think both of us read the newspaper from different countries. the newspaper that i read was from singapore stated that the actual amount was S$1.1 million (singaporean dollar). but when it was translated into the australian newspaper (which you read and posted the link), the amount actually equals to around A$900,000 (australian dollar). so actually the news stated he returned the full amount and the reward for him from the thai couple is still remained unknown, not $100,000 nor $200,000 as what we thought.
1 person likes this
@joycseer (845)
• Malaysia
25 Nov 12
Hi victorywp, yes...there are many versions of newspapers reporting in different currencies, getting us all confused of the actual amount. LOL! The reward amount is unknown, but is already given to the honest taxi driver. Yes, i am very happy to know that we have such honest and kind people around. I am still wondering why the Thai couple would carry so much cash around? Are they really travelling? Even for travelling sake, they don't need so much cash i suppose? Quite curious about it...LOL!
1 person likes this
@lampar (7584)
• United States
1 Dec 12
Wow! It is very rare someone especially a tourist who lost so much money managed to get every penny back in this way. This Thai couple is fortunate their tour destination has this honest taxi driver around and they happened to get a ride from him inside his cab. The cab driver may have plenty of $$$ in his saving account already; he doesn't need another million to make end meet living in Singapore. It is just difficult for ordinary person or even any country citizens to resist such a temptation of not hold on to this million dollars in the cab, he is no doubt deserved all the praise from his yellow cab company's management and some reward from the Thai couple, after all, they could have none of the dollar if he doesn't return the million to them, at least by given him $100,00 as reward, they still have plenty of cash to go around Singapore and spend it during their stay in this island state. This cab driver should also receive an outstanding citizen award from his country's tourism agency during the independence day, his action should make every one of his fellow Singaporean proud and it reflect the character of its people.
@lampar (7584)
• United States
1 Dec 12
As you probably already know that Singapore may be the smallest country in SEA and consist of not more than a red dot in the world map, but it is famous worldwide for its highly educated government and ethically hard working population with strong cultural background. I can't be too surprise somethings like this happen in this well governed country with so many good character Singaporeans around. If this Thai couple would to lose their money in a taxi cab here, they can only to get their money after a million years. You can't even get your ten dollars back if you left it out in a yellow cab here, let alone it is a million dollars. Singapore does has many honest people around compare to its neighbors.
@joycseer (845)
• Malaysia
1 Dec 12
Hi lampar, yes, this cab is really a pattern and has been an outstanding citizen. This honest act of the taxi driver has not only able to returned the huge lost money to the Thai couple, but also lift up the country's reputation. It is really not easy to be so fortunate to meet such honest people nowadays especially when you lost something. My dad once forgotten to take his bag after meeting his customers at a company, and by the time he went back to find, it is gone! The place is not like a shopping mall or playground. It is a company...and yet lost things couldn't be found. I think that it may have been stolen by some passer by. Well, we just need to be careful wherever we go, just in case we don't get to meet such honest people everywhere. Thanks for your wonderful sharing.
@myfb2009 (8296)
• Malaysia
23 Nov 12
Joy, this driver seems very honest in his duty. He seems not greedy at all although had found such a huge money while on duty. Nowadays, these type of honest people is hard to be found. Last year, one of my aunt ever used a taxi to visit my home. In a rush, she forgotten to bring out her umbrella and a water bottle. And she never had a chance to saw them anymore. The taxi driver never appear to my home to give back her things.
@joycseer (845)
• Malaysia
27 Nov 12
Hi myfb2009, yes apparently this taxi driver also says he doesn't need these much of a money. Actually it is not a matter that he needs the money or not. More important is to return what does not belongs to us. Regardless being found, so thinking can be used, is also part of stealing. Things lost by others, may be precious to other. We need to have such courtesy to return. I am sorry for your aunt, but fortunately is not something very expensive. Hope that taxi driver feel his inner sense to be honest. Have a nice day and thanks for your sharing.
@myfb2009 (8296)
• Malaysia
29 Nov 12
Whenever we are doing any job, honesty must have in our head. For instance, we don't dare to use that taxi driver's service anymore since we got to know he is a dishonest person. No one is interested to work together with people who are dishonest.
• Romania
25 Nov 12
If i found $1 million i think i will go crazy. But i think that taxi driver get a good reword for his gesture.
• Romania
27 Nov 12
Yes but i think that the money owner give that taxi driver a lot of money. If i have that amount of money and i losse them and someone breengs me back the money i well give him hallf of them.
@joycseer (845)
• Malaysia
27 Nov 12
Hi razvaneison, yes that's true. $1million is not a small amount. We need a clear mind in handling such things. Otherwise the evil thoughts within us might overtake us our conscious. So, we need to be watchful and careful...
@romzee (937)
• Philippines
30 Nov 12
Well This is a good story and rewarding too on the part of the cab driver, receiving a generous $200,000 rewards from the Thai couple. I also wonder what will I actually think and do if I am on his situation...LOL! $1.1 million on my hands, I think I go crazy, hehehe
@joycseer (845)
• Malaysia
1 Dec 12
Hi romzee, hahaha...normally people's eyes would become big when they saw such a huge sum of cash in hand. Many would say they wouldn't take it, or would return it. But how many could actually do it when it really happens on them is still a question. Well, don't go crazy okay? Otherwise, even if you have that much of money, you won't be able to utilize them... Just kidding. Yeah, the taxi driver really gives us good pattern that people should learn.
@leeandrew (1225)
• Philippines
21 Nov 12
There are still honest and kind people in the world, so let's don't loss hope with humanity still. hahaha. I also saw a lot of taxi drivers here in the Philippines who does the same. They return a huge amount of money to the owners, but some owner just selfish enough not giving reward to the drivers even just given them token of appreciation. I know some would not accept some money but at least offer. That couple has good hearts, I hope we all do the same when we are capable of doing. Totally, that driver is one in million I must say. I don't know what I would do too if I find such amount of money, I will become skeptical sometimes until righteousness would hit me hard and then I'll let it go without any cents gone. hahaha. Thanks for sharing your discussion.
@leeandrew (1225)
• Philippines
26 Nov 12
There are probably five among one hundred people that would return such money these days. With all the hardship of getting money and of finding a nice good paying job, not to mention the high price of basic commodities, I don't think people would still care to return that money, after all it is not stolen... they found it. Yeah, it is just to them some money too or anything as an appreciation for their being honest!
@joycseer (845)
• Malaysia
25 Nov 12
Hi leeandrew, yes...we still have hope. Upon the honesty of this 70 year old man, we find hope in this world. At the very least to know that honesty still exist in this world, not extinguish yet. Hahaha... Yeah, having honest and kind people returning our lost money is really not easy. And if we do come across in our experience, we should actually give them some appreciation. Thanks for your sharing too. Have a nice day.
2 people like this
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
26 Nov 12
What a cool Story!!! So refreshing to know that there are still some honest people around. Actually,I do know that there are. I work in a store and I'm always impressed so much by the ones that when I accidently hand them their change back wrong and in their favor, they quickly correct me. Sometimes 2 bills will stick together or it's busy and I am trying to hurry. I think there are actually a lot of honest people. It's just that the news is so full of the ones that are not that sometimes it just feels as if the world has gone to hel in a handbasket. It hasn't.
@joycseer (845)
• Malaysia
27 Nov 12
Hi sid556, thanks for your sharing too. Yes, whenever i receive extra change from the store, i do return back to them as well. Otherwise, i know they will have to bear the lost and differences. Sometimes i feel they might be in a hurry or too busy that suddenly they loose thoughts, so i tried to help them. It feels good to help others in need, or when we face it. Do not let go that feeling, and hope more people will continue the honesty in life.
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
21 Nov 12
There are so many, many people like this taxi driver but we never hear about them. We heard about him because the amount of money was so huge. I'm willing to bet that if the media sought out the good things that people do as actively as they look for the bad we would have enough material for a 24 hour news show that highlights the good in people. It's always wonderful to hear of such things. I think if more of these incidents were made public, the world's people would not feel so grim and hopeless.
@pals101 (2010)
• Philippines
22 Nov 12
I always listen to this radio station in our country where all taxi drivers are encouraged to return all belongings that are left in their cab. They called their organization "Radio 5 Taxi Squad". All taxi members, who are able to return any left belongings of a passenger may bring it to the radio studio and the radio dj or commenter will broadcast to the public about it. Once someone heard it or the owner hear it, he/she will just come to the radio office and all the belongings will be return. Once a month, the radio station present an awarding ceremony to all taxi drivers who have done great contribution in the society. Not only lost belonging but also helping the police, or reporting emergencies, any event that needs attention immediately. As you see, this world we live in is not purely evil. There are still good people who value life and want a life of happiness and peace.. -Happy Mylotting--
@joycseer (845)
• Malaysia
26 Nov 12
Hi pals101, ohh...so there is such thing in your country? That is good encouragement and help to those to lost their belongings. At least they setup a lost and found center. Not many countries or places practices this. Hopefully the taxi drivers really returns with a pure sincere heart. Because i know some people help for the sake of getting awarded and recognized. Yes, it is not purely evil. We need more people who value life and live a life of happiness and peace.
@kingparker (9673)
• United States
22 Nov 12
Not many people exist today actually would do something like that anymore. He is an honest person, and he did a great job. He should be proud of by his taxi company too. I hope that other people also learn such lesson from him, and he is a truly hero among all of us.
@joycseer (845)
• Malaysia
27 Nov 12
Hi kingparker, may this news be a pattern to many to learn. We never know when there is a day that we too need such a help. So, we need learn his positive respond that is to return whatever not belongs to us. Have a good day.
@Aja103654 (5646)
• Philippines
22 Nov 12
Respect and recognition for honesty is worth more than a million dollars. I think I would have done the same thing, because it would be stupid to pocket that amount of money. I will be a criminal and my fun spending will only be short lived. The couple is suspicious carrying such a big amount of money in cash, what would they use it for? I hope it's not something illegal LOL
@joycseer (845)
• Malaysia
26 Nov 12
Hi Aja103654, i totally agree with you. This man's honesty is worth more than a million dollars. Yup, exactly. I was curious too...wondering why would they carry so much money. Normally even if we go faraway travelling, we don't need so much cash in hand, we can use credit cards. Hopefully is not obtained illegally or for illegal matters.
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
22 Nov 12
Thanks for sharing with us here... wish there were more people in the world like that.
@joycseer (845)
• Malaysia
25 Nov 12
Hi mariaperalta, yes everyone do wish to have more kind and honest people like the taxi driver. And i believe if everyone does their part as an honest and trustworthy people, our world would be a better place to live in.
1 person likes this
• China
22 Nov 12
As the passenger, we need to be morew careful when we got off the taxi. I heard a lot of news about leaving money on the taxi. Such a great amout of money left by this couple is a rare accident. But we can feel more relieved for more taxi drivers are honest enough to bring back the package of money. Of course, it is the company that give a portion of money for a reward for such a honest behavior. But i think the taxi driver individually will also show his integreted even though there is no such a reward at all. Besides, there is also such kind of law in some state that a person will get a sentence if he keeps the money and not bring back after he is found out. The sentence will be according to the amount money. Pyschologically, more drivers will feel upset if we get such a great amount of money. One's honesty will overwhem his selfishness at the time he is on other's stand. The sympathy and honesty will be enlarged when we hold a image in our mind that someone is in such a hurry and under a great misery. On contrary, if we find out a little hint of money one left, we will feel less upset, for such a small amount will not bring them a misfortune at all. Whatever the amount is, i hope all the taxi drivers can be integreted and honest. If you do not carry the driver's position, it's also your duty to give back regardless of the amount of the reward..:)
@joycseer (845)
• Malaysia
26 Nov 12
Hi Jeffery_superman, yes that is the proper attitude to have when we get off the taxi. We should check and ensure all our belongings has been taken before we leave the taxi. This is a very fortunate couple to have this honest taxi driver. Otherwise wonder what would happen to them loosing such a huge amount of money. And i am still curious as to why this Thai couple is carrying so much money holidaying...i find it a little suspicious... LOL!
• Philippines
22 Nov 12
He is one in a million.He deserves to be a hero for he did good acts and good example to some drivers.
@joycseer (845)
• Malaysia
25 Nov 12
Hi sakurage123, yup he is a good hero, and a good pattern. Many should learn from him, and we would have a more peaceful world.
1 person likes this
@jpso138 (7851)
• Philippines
21 Nov 12
Well that is certainly good news. It's really hard to find people like that in the world we live right now. That driver is certainly one of the exceptional few who will do such a thing. He certainly deserves a reward.
@joycseer (845)
• Malaysia
25 Nov 12
Hi jpso138, yup...really one in a million. When we thought such people almost extinct, there he comes giving us some hope. Thanks to him, we have a positive good news on the paper.
1 person likes this
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
21 Nov 12
I also feel proud and happy to read articles like that coz few people can be as honest despite being incapable of having all the good things in life. It takes a lot of courage to say no to such temptation. Just imagine how peaceful a community would be if people would all be honest, then we won't be afraid that our belongings will be lost.
@joycseer (845)
• Malaysia
25 Nov 12
Hi jenny1015, it is really a good and happy news. I love to hear this kind of news too; rather than always having robbery, murdering and other negative elements being the headline of the newspaper. That is so true, the temptation to take the money is quite strong because the sum of amount is not little. And if a person can control themselves and come back to their honest heart, is something really to be proud of. But i suppose not many of such honest people nowadays, so we still need to be careful of our own belongings. And keep proper eye on it, especially when we go holidaying.
1 person likes this
@Mavic123456 (21893)
• Thailand
21 Nov 12
so few of them already nowadays. Hoorah for this person, and he deserves to be promoted or even elected to Congress, many congressmen are corrupt. so he may be a good set for example. LOL
@joycseer (845)
• Malaysia
25 Nov 12
Yes, very few of such trustworthy person. He deserves to be awarded and praised. Congratulations and well done to him!
1 person likes this