The good samaritan of Johor

New Straits Times

15-06-2025

IN a world where indifference often greets the desperate knock of the needy, one man's door has never closed. Known simply as a friend to the forgotten, he has built a life around the word "yes" — yes to help, yes to hope, yes to humanity.
With arms that open wider than his modest home and a heart that never tires of giving, he's become a lifeline for the penurious, a quiet guardian for the broken and a living testament to the power of compassion.
For Datuk Seri Teo Shiok Fu, serving the poor isn't charity; it's a purpose, a calling and it's life itself. Through acts of compassion, he weaves a tapestry of kindness that uplifts lives, transforms communities and inspires change.
The 58-year-old is a constant presence, a reliable friend and a selfless Samaritan whose life has become a lifeline for many. From the B40 community to single mothers, the aged, the neglected and orphaned children, he's hope in motion.
LIVING BY EXAMPLE
Born and raised in Johor Baru, Teo hails from a humble household where integrity and hard work weren't just virtues — they were family laws.
His parents, both pillars of their local community, instilled in him a sense of duty that transcended the self. His late father, a well-respected grassroots leader, often brought young Teo along to community meetings, teaching him not through instruction, but through example.
"My father didn't preach about service — he lived it," recalls Teo, adding softly: "He taught me that leadership isn't about recognition, but about responsibility."
His childhood, filled with modest means but abundant in warmth and wisdom, shaped his view of the world. His mother would often cook extra rice "just in case someone hungry came by". Those early lessons of compassion and preparedness for others left a permanent imprint on him.
Muses Teo: "I grew up watching how a simple act — a bowl of rice, a lift to the clinic — could mean the world to someone. That stuck with me."
He cherishes values such as humility, empathy, loyalty and above all, action. "Feelings don't feed people. Action does," he'd often say, and it's this conviction that propels him forward, even when the work is heavy and recognition is light.
NO BOUNDARIES
Inspired by his father's legacy and guided by his own convictions, Teo joined the Rotary Club of Johor Baru (RCJB) in 1999 and served as its president in 2017. For him, it was more than a title; it was a platform to do more.
His mission has always been clear: serve all races with no boundaries. Whether in schools, urban flats, rural villages or remote coastal communities, Teo sees only one thing — humanity.
Through the years, he's brought joy to orphans, support to single mothers, meals to the elderly and dignity to the neglected.
Despite the many hats he wears, Teo remains firmly grounded in his role as a family man.
A devoted husband and father of two, he credits his family as both his support system and his inspiration.
His wife, a lawyer, shares his belief in giving back, and their home is often the unofficial staging ground for food drives and fundraising campaigns.
Says Teo: "My children see what I do, and I hope it helps shape their sense of responsibility to others. It's important they know that success isn't measured by what you have, but by what you give."
BRINGING JOY
This Johorian's dedication to helping the vulnerable in society is deeply rooted in his belief that everyone deserves dignity and care. His life journey — marked not by privilege, but by principled choices — has shaped him into a man who sees service not as a phase, but a permanent path.
He vividly recalls an occasion when an elderly couple, abandoned by their children, were left without shelter. Touched by their plight, he arranged for their admission into an elderly care home and ensured their comfort. Softly, he explains: "It wasn't just about shelter. It was about restoring their faith in humanity."
From health screenings and educational support, to environmental initiatives and disaster relief, Teo's approach is holistic. Every act of service, he believes, plants a seed for long-term change.
Over the years, he has brought joy to orphans by treating them to memorable outings, including trips to Legoland. He's also made sure single mothers have the essential provisions to keep their children well-fed.
Says Teo: "Never underestimate the difference you can make in someone's life. Step forward, reach out and help. This week, find someone who needs a lift."
COMMUNITY AND CHARITY
During his tenure as RCJB president, Teo led initiatives that included raising funds, galvanising fellow Rotarians, and delivering impactful community projects.
Among his contributions included donating a water filter system to a Tamil school in Kulai and organising health screenings for residents at Larkin Flats — a community close to his heart.
"Community service gave me the chance to walk into unfamiliar but vibrant communities that are in need. That changed me," he reflects.
True to his word, his list of charitable acts is long and ever-growing. He has supported orphanages, old folks' homes and Malay community centres, even bringing doctors to offer care and medicine to elderly residents.
For the hardcore poor living in Larkin Flats, he organised weekly food distributions — meals prepared by single mothers, who were compensated for their time and effort.
CHANGE FROM WITHIN
While his father remains his biggest role model, Teo also draws inspiration from global figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela — leaders who led with integrity and put people first.
"What they taught us," Teo reflects, "is that real change comes from empathy, patience and resilience."
As a trustee of the Social Hero Foundation and an active leader in multiple civic organisations, Teo continues to build bridges across communities and causes. His initiatives are not just responses — they are blueprints for sustainable improvement.
Even as he plans large-scale projects, such as the upcoming coral reef restoration and tree-planting campaigns, his feet remain firmly on the ground. He still visits the families he's helped, remembers their names and checks on their progress.
In addition, he's also in the process of planning a comprehensive coral restoration project in Mersing, aimed at revitalising the region's fragile marine ecosystem.
Elaborating, he shares that the restoration effort is expected to benefit local communities, particularly fishermen whose livelihoods are directly tied to the abundance of fish and other marine resources.
"By supporting marine biodiversity, we're not only helping the ecosystem recover, but also supporting the sustainability of local fishing practices, which in turn helps to secure food supplies for the region."
And so, with compassion as his compass and service as his calling, Teo proves again and again that kindness, when put into motion, has the power to change the world.
QUIET ACTS OF LOVE
Through tireless service and unwavering humility, he reminds us that greatness lies not in grand gestures, but in consistent, quiet acts of love.
"It's sad to note that all this while the Orang Asli here have been using the river as their drinking water," he recalls.
The initiative came after SHF conducted an on-site needs assessment and engaged in conversations with the village elders, who expressed concern over the rising number of waterborne illnesses affecting their children.
Understanding the gravity of the issue, Teo and his team prioritised the provision of clean water access, sourcing durable filtration systems capable of withstanding rural conditions.
The installation process was also used as an opportunity to educate the villagers on basic water hygiene and maintenance of the filters.
In addition to addressing clean water access, the first-aid training sessions were designed to empower the Orang Asli with critical lifesaving skills.
Conducted over several weekends with the support of trained personnel from Civil Defence Department, the sessions covered essential topics such as CPR, wound care and emergency response techniques.
Teo emphasised the importance of equipping indigenous communities with knowledge that not only improves daily health and safety, but also fosters a sense of self-reliance and resilience in times of crisis.
In November last year, Teo shifted his focus to a community often overlooked during Malaysia's seasonal storms — the fishermen. Aware of the hardships they endure during the monsoon season, when treacherous seas and unpredictable weather keep them from working safely, Teo stepped forward to offer vital assistance.
He supplied 300 local fishermen with essential fishing tools, including crab and lobster nets, unjam (artificial reef homes) and bubu (fish traps).
These resources are not just equipment — they're lifelines that sustain income and food security for coastal families.
It was yet another gesture of support from Teo, who has long championed grassroots efforts and the empowerment of underserved communities.
For him, service goes beyond momentary acts of kindness — it's a lifelong commitment to lifting others up, especially those whose struggles often go unnoticed.
Says Teo: "Service should be boundless. It's not something you measure by time or awards. Every day presents a new opportunity to do good — to make a difference."
That spirit of giving continues in his health screening initiative for residents of Larkin Flats, a densely populated low-income housing area.
The programme focuses on early detection of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, which rising among the urban poor.
"Our goal is to catch potential health risks early so we can offer timely interventions," Teo explains, adding: "That leads to a better quality of life for individuals and helps reduce long-term healthcare costs across the system."
Whether it's supporting fishermen, addressing public health or responding to everyday needs, Teo's actions underscore a simple but powerful belief — that service, when done with sincerity, can ripple outward to transform entire communities.
MANY HATS
Beyond his community work, Teo holds numerous roles that reflect his deep involvement in civic and educational spheres. He's deputy president of the Malaysian Datuk Entrepreneurs Association (MDEA), first vice-president of Persatuan Hainan Johor Baru, a council member of the Malaysian Estate Owners' Association (MEOA) and a member of the Commonwealth Magistrates' and Judges' Association (UK).
He's also a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (FCMI, UK) and deputy chairman of the Board of Governors at Southern University College.
His efforts haven't gone unnoticed. Featured in multiple local media outlets, Teo's unwavering commitment continues to serve as a powerful reminder: true change begins with a willing heart.
What drives Teo isn't fame, power or accolades. It's the simple belief that if one has the ability to help, one has the responsibility to act.
"My measure of a good day is not how many meetings I attend, but how many lives I touch," he says softly.
Following in his father's footsteps, Teo continues to light the way for others. In a world so often clouded by indifference, he stands as a steady, unassuming force for good — like a river that never runs dry, or a shelter whose doors are always open.
"To give real service, you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money — and that is sincerity and integrity," he quotes Douglas Adams. It's more than a favourite saying; it's a principle he lives by, every single day.