USM PENANG, 23 December 2022 – The smiles and serving antics of the Subaidah eatery staff at the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) premises fondly known as 'Ane Basha' will surely be missed by the USM community.

After having spent the last 20 years toiling in the kitchen and behind the counter serving ‘roti canai’ and other choices in the menu at the popular eating spot in campus, he has now decided to return to his home country, India to spend the rest of his life there.

He said that, although it’s a hard decision to make to return to his home country, due to his age and the number of years he has been here, he has no other options.

"Leaving Malaysia tugs at my heartstrings, USM even more. I love everything there is to be found here. The USM community has been very good and I love working here," he said, now reaching 51 years of age.

What is more surprising is that, though he has worked in Penang for more than 20 years, not even once he has gone outstation (out of Penang) for holidays or to even go sightseeing.

He has not even been to the beach as to him, being here is all about work.

"I seldom take any day off. Sometimes, even during off days, I would go back to the restaurant to help the fellow staff with their work.

"During the pandemic and the Subaidah Restaurant on campus had to be closed, I helped at the Subaidah branch in Seberang Jaya, which did not close its operations," said Basha, who is able to make ‘roti canai’ up to 800 pieces daily.

When asked on good memories he has had in USM, Basha admitted that he liked the jovial nature of the community here, and this was the reason why he was well-known among the crowd, as he even knew the favourite choices of ‘roti’ of many who come to eat every morning.

"There are those who like their ‘roti’ in thin or thick slices, crispy, with gravy all over or having other preferences. I practically know all, as I am the most senior staff here. Surely this environment will leave me with plenty of memories," he added.

Basha who first arrived in Malaysia in 2001, has his own plans in his hometown, which is to open an eatery similar to the one here.

"Although it saddens me to leave USM, there is also a feeling of relief to be able to return to my beloved family that I have left behind. My wife and I, together with my two children will be able to continue our dream to start our own restaurant," he said.

He further said that, during the time spent here, he was only able to go back to India three times, while also feeling sad when he could not meet his mother, who passed away due to COVID-19 last year.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Photo: Nor Amin Zainal Kamarudin