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E-BOOK: TECHNICAL ENGLISH 3 DUE 50082. A SUPPLEMENTARY READING A GLIMPSE INTOA GLIMPSE INTO THE DAILY LIFE OFTHE DAILY LIFE OF PTSB'S SANITARYPTSB'S SANITARY WORKERWORKER A GLIMPSE INTO THE DAILY LIFE OF PTSB'S SANITARY WORKER JAN 2026 MOHD AZRIL BIN ADNAN POLITEKNIK TUANKU SULTANAH BAHIYAH
E-BOOK: TECHNICAL ENGLISH 3 DUE 50082. A SUPPLEMENTARY READING A GLIMPSE INTO THE DAILY LIFE OF PTSB'S SANITARY WORKER MOHD AZRIL BIN ADNAN
HAK CIPTA © 2026 POLITEKNIK TUANKU SULTANAH BAHIYAH HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARA. TIADA BAHAGIAN DALAM PENERBITAN INI BOLEH DITERBITKAN SEMULA, DISIMPAN DALAM SISTEM PENCARIAN, ATAU DIHANTAR DALAM SEBARANG BENTUK ATAU DENGAN SEBARANG CARA SAMA ADA ELEKTRONIK, MEKANIKAL, FOTOKOPI, RAKAMAN ATAU LAIN-LAIN TANPA KEBENARAN BERTULIS DARIPADA POLITEKNIK TUANKU SULTANAH BAHIYAH. DITERBITKAN OLEH: POLITEKNIK TUANKU SULTANAH BAHIYAH KEMENTERIAN PENDIDIKAN TINGGI KULIM HI-TECH PARK 09090 KULIM, KEDAH NO. TELEFON : 04-403 3333 NO. FAKSIMILI : 04-403 3033 E-mel : azril@ptsb.edu.my maklumbalas@ptsb.edu.my LAMAN SESAWANG : HTTPS://PTSB.MYPOLYCC.EDU.MY EISBN: 978-629-7778-36-5 PENAFIAN: BUKU INI DITERBITKAN UNTUK TUJUAN MAKLUMAT DAN PENDIDIKAN. PENERBIT DAN PENULIS TIDAK BERTANGGUNGJAWAB ATAS SEBARANG KESILAPAN, TAFSIRAN, ATAU TINDAKAN YANG DIAMBIL BERDASARKAN MAKLUMAT DALAM BUKU INI. PENASIHAT IRUWAN BIN IDRIS PENULIS / EDITOR MOHD AZRIL BIN ADNAN
Alhamdulillah, all praise to Allah S.W.T for the God's grace to allow the publication of this E- Book. This E-Book is in the format of informational reading that showcase the daily life of PTSB's geberal workers also known as janitors; electronically published. Thank you to my lovely wife for her support and my two daughters, aged 5 and 8. their support and questions along the way of writing this book also gave significant inspiration and ideas for the writer. Finally thank you to the general workers and their tireless work. they ensure everyone in PTSB has a pleasent day studying and working in this serene institution. Without them there is little comfort and joy for all of us here in PTSB.ACKNOWLEDGEMENT i
This E-Book is a supplementary reading for the DUE 50082 course; English for Technical Purpose 3. The book is written in poetic format to describe how beautiful and engaging their daily work life in Politeknik Tuanku Sultanah Bahiyah. It is in a way a brief exposure to the students who are currently learning Job Hunting Mechanic as part of the programme's syllabus. Hence, it is imperative for these future engineers, professionals and leaders in the working force to catch a glimpse of one part of the working sectors, which are the janitorial workers. This book's aim is in no way intended to belittle the janitorial workforce; in fact, it is the opposite. This book's aim is to highlight how important it is the janitorial work in any organization. With the hope of our PTSB students who will be the future of Malaysia's professional workforce can have a better understanding and grow their respect to these workers.Foreword from the writer Foreword from the writer i i
TABLE OF CONTENTA c k n o w l e d g e m e n t F o r e w o r d T a b l e o f c o n t e n t I n t r o d u c t i o n W o r k e r ' s i n f o r m a t i o n E a r l y m o r n i n g W o r k s p a c e J a n i t o r s a t w o r k A u g m e n t e d R e a l i t y Q u i z A n s w e r K e y i i i i i i - i v 1 2 3 4 - 5 6 - 1 1 1 2 1 4 - 2 4 2 5 T I T L E PA G E i i i
TABLE OF CONTENTA d a y i n t h e l i f e D i d y o u k n o w ? E v e r y j o b m a t t e r s B e f o r e a n d a f t e r H o w y o u c a n h e l p T o o l s o f t h e t r a d e R e f l e c t i o n B i b l i o g r a p h y 2 6 2 7 2 8 2 9 3 0 3 1 3 2 3 3 T I T L E PA G E i v
Professional Historical Preface — The Global History of Janitorial WorkOne of the first structured types of public duty in human society is janitorial work. The janitor's function has always been fundamental to public health, order, and education, from the sanitation workers of ancient Rome who maintained bathhouses and aqueducts to temple caretakers in China and India who were responsible for ritual cleanliness. Universities of Al-Qarawiyyin, Bologna and Oxford depended on caretakers to keep halls clean, handle waste, put out fires, and set up areas for students during the Middle Ages. Long before there was contemporary infrastructure, these people made sure that education would continue. As institutions grew, the Industrial Revolution formalized janitorial labor. Universities, Politekniks, factories, and hospitals needed committed staff with maintenance, safety, and hygiene training. By the 20th century, janitorial services were regulated by municipal laws, safety procedures, and occupational standards across the world. Janitorial professionals are now seen as vital contributors to mental health, environmental sustainability, and institutional resilience. They serve as the silent foundation for research, instruction, and innovation in universities all around the world. This book honors that lineage—global, dignified, and indispensable.1
Worker’s Information Working Hours The heroes in this stories spend a full 8 hours a day working their limbs. Starting from the early morning 7.30 a.m untill 4.30 p.m. A brief 15 minute break in the late morning for some breakfast and an hour for lunch from 1.00 p.p to 2.00 p.m Salary most of the workers interviewed stated that their salary was the Malaysian minimum salary; as at the time of interview. All of them stated that they are compensated for their work is RM 1700 per month. All of them stated there is no yearly increments. No bonusses of any kind. Retirement Many of these workers are over the age of 55. Some of the workers chose not to deduct their salary for KWSP as they are already over the age of retirements. However the deductions for Socso (Malaysian agency for workers protection) is still taken from their gross income. Meaning, some of these workers take home pay is around 1300 and above after deductions. 2
Early Morning - 7.45 a.m Before the Bell Rings Before lectures bloom and doors learn the sound of feet, they arrive. The campus still dreams. Dew holds the lawns like a secret. Keys whisper to locks. Buckets greet water. In this hour, the university breathes quietly, and the quiet ones take their places. Before the Bell Rings The contract workers gather to recieve the brifing of today's tasks, issues and other instructions from the head janitor before starting the day. 26 workers were present. 3
The work shedDont look with disgust behold the simplicity ignored tools and machines arranged with purpose only appreciated by the them tools used as if these are an extension of their limbs 4
The Eye for Faults A crack noticed becomes a report. A flicker logged, a leak named. They speak to UPDP in the language of care, so buildings may speak safely again. 5
Wind and Leaves A blower lifts the language of autumn. Leaves scatter like thoughts made light. The wind is guided, not fought. Order, here, is a collaboration. Blowing leaves away from the roads we use 6
Shade and Rest Trees offer shade to thinking minds. Benches cool beneath leaves. Someone sat here and felt better— this is also success. Tree pruning 7
Tired Bones Cool sunglasses they would say hides the eyes of years that the body cant lie still going strong no matter what they say Puting away trash 8
Serene privilege Not many can say they love coming to work but few would dare to say this is not a place where you dont want to work The garden at General Studies Department 9
Daily care Plants needs all the love as you would too or they would wither away longing for a fresh dew 1 0
Gardens as Classrooms Watered daily, patience grows. Pruning teaches restraint. Flowers attend no lectures yet graduate every season. 1 1
SCAN WITH ARTIVIVE Point your phone camera at this image using the Artivive app to unlock an augmented reality experience. AR ARTIVIVE Free on App Store & Google Play 1 2
This E-Book has shown PTSB's day to to day operations : the General workers also known as the Janitors. There is an obscure saying “A CEO takes a holiday for 3 weeks and no one bats an eye, if the janitor takes a couple of days off, all hell breaks loose. What this means is that the lack of presence of a CEO would not effect the organization as a whole in the short term. Yes, the CEOs are important in guiding the organizational path and goals, but this is not what this book is about. However, the same cannot be said for the janitors as they are the one who are more tangible and directly effects the daily operations of an organization. Without the general workers, the trash piles up, the floors are dirty, the roads are filled with fallen leaves, the plants die out and so much more. This book is dedicated to the general workers in making sure PTSB is a clean and beautiful place for the students and staff alike. They allow PTSB to become serene, beautiful and a joy to work and study. For that the writer express endless gratitude and hope they know how much their work is appreciated.1 3
QUIZ TIME Janitorial Work & Respecting Every Profession 10 Questions • Multiple Choice Choose the best answer for each question. The correct answer is marked with a star ★ 1 4
Question 1 of 10 What is the primary role of a janitor? A Only cleaning toilets B Maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy environment for everyone C Watching security cameras all day D Replacing broken furniture only 1 5
Question 2 of 10 Why should we respect janitors and custodial workers? A Because they might report us B Only if they are friendly to us C Because every job that serves the community deserves dignity and respect D We don't need to — it's a low-level job 1 6
Question 3 of 10 What happens when a school janitor is absent for a week? A Nothing changes at all B Students clean everything themselves C PTSB becomes unsanitary, unsafe, and harder to learn in D Staff takes over cleaning duties 1 7
Question 4 of 10 Which of the following is a sign of respect toward janitorial staff? A Leaving trash on the floor for them to pick up B Greeting them and cleaning up after yourself C Ignoring them when they walk by D Telling them their job is easy 1 8
Question 5 of 10 What skills does a janitor commonly need? A Only mopping and sweeping B Time management, basic repairs, chemical safety, and physical stamina C No skills — anyone can do it without training D Only operating a vacuum cleaner 1 9
Question 6 of 10 How does respecting all professions benefit a community? A It doesn't — only high-paying jobs matter B It creates a culture of kindness, cooperation, and shared dignity C It only benefits the workers being respected D It makes people lazy 2 0
Question 7 of 10 A janitor notices a water leak that could cause a slip hazard. What should they do? A Ignore it — it's not their problem B Wait for someone else to report it C Address it immediately and report it to maintenance D Put a sign up and leave for the day 2 1
Question 8 of 10 Which statement about work and dignity is TRUE? A Only engineers, doctors and lawyers deserve respect B A person's worth is defined by their salary C All honest work contributes to society and deserves equal respect D Manual labor is less important than office work 2 2
Question 9 of 10 What is one way schools can show appreciation for janitorial staff? A Give them more work without extra pay B Celebrate them during staff appreciation events and acknowledge their contributions C Let them work overtime without recognition D Keep them separate from other staff 2 3
Question 10 of 10 What life lesson can we learn from janitorial workers? A Avoid hard work whenever possible B Only visible work matters C Dedication, humility, and taking pride in serving others D Some jobs are beneath certain people 2 4
ANSWER KEY 1. B — Maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy environment 2. C — Every job serving the community deserves dignity 3. C — School becomes unsanitary and unsafe 4. B — Greeting them and cleaning up after yourself 5. B — Time management, repairs, chemical safety, stamina 6. B — A culture of kindness, cooperation, and dignity 7. C — Address it immediately and report to maintenance 8. C — All honest work deserves equal respect 9. B — Celebrate them during staff appreciation events 10. C — Dedication, humility, and pride in serving others Every profession matters. Respect everyone. 2 5
A Day in the Life of a Janitor 6.30 AM Wake up before the sun rises 7.00 AM Arrive at PTSB, unlock doors, check building security 8:00 AM Sweep hallways, mop floors, empty overnight trash 9:30 AM Prepare classrooms — arrange desks, check supplies Maintain restrooms, handle spills Respond to maintenance requests and emergencies 12:00 PM Clean cafeteria during and after lunch rush 2:00 PM Restock supplies, minor repairs, deep cleaning 3:30 PM Students leave — full building sweep begins 5:00 PM Final checks, lock up, head home exhausted 2 6
Did You Know? A janitor may walk an average of 5-8 km per shift. Janitors may handle over 20 different cleaning chemicals safely every day. Without janitors, bacteria can be a major issue is places left unclean The janitorial industry employs over 2.3 million people worldwide. A single janitor can clean up to hundreds of sq meters per shift. Janitors helps to reduce student sick days through proper sanitation. Most janitors start work 2-3 hours before anyone else arrives. 2 7
Every Job Matters How different professions depend on each other JANITOR Keeps spaces clean and safe so everyone can focus on their work. TEACHERS Educates the next generation — but needs a clean classroom to do it. STAFFS Working together to maintain the many different departments to make sure PTSB is oerating efficiently; such as the IT and maintainence department. Cafeteria Staff Prepares meals — but needs kitchen cleaners to maintain hygiene standards. Administration To ensure the policy and aim of the education istitute are achieved by managing the entire institutional administrative needs. No one succeeds alone. Every role is connected. 2 8
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How You Can Help Simple actions that make a big difference 01 Pick up after yourself Don't leave trash on the floor or tables. Use the bins provided. 02 Say thank you A simple greeting or thank you goes a long way in showing respect. 03 Report spills and damage Let staff know immediately so janitors can address hazards safely. 04 Keep restrooms tidy Use facilities responsibly. Flush, wash hands, dispose of paper properly. 05 Respect their space Don't block supply closets or leave items in hallways. 06 Speak up against disrespect If you see someone being rude to a janitor, say something. 3 0
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Reflection Take a moment to think about what you learned 1. What is one thing you learned about janitorial work that surprised you? 2. How can you show more respect to workers around you every day? 3. Why do you think some people look down on certain jobs? Is that fair? 4. Write about a time someone in a service role helped you. 5. What will you do differently after reading this book? 2 5 3 2
BIBLIOGRAPHYKoloski-Ostrow, A. O. (2015). The archaeology of sanitation in Roman Italy: Toilets, sewers, and water systems. University of North Carolina Press. Heirman, A., & Torck, M. (2012). A pure mind in a clean body: Bodily care in the Buddhist monasteries of ancient India and China. Academia Press. Lulat, Y. G.-M. (2005). A history of African higher education from antiquity to the present: A critical synthesis. Greenwood Publishing Group (for context on Al-Qarawiyyin). Rashdall, H. (2010). The universities of Europe in the Middle Ages (Vol. 1). Cambridge University Press (Original work published 1895). 3 3
TECHNICAL ENGLISH 3 DUE 50082. A SUPPLEMENTARY READING