04/04/2026
I was once called to repair a factory machine worth about **RM300,000**.
Agreed wages: **RM3,000**.
When the machine breaks down, one line stops immediately.
Losses in a day can amount to thousands.
I check, problem no be small.
Main motor bearing is clocked, took me almost **3 hours** to open and replace.
When the machine comes back on, everyone is relieved.
But in my heart I know—
**that's not quite finished. **
There is an important solder point on the control board that is starting to loose.
Now it can still walk, but anytime it can break.
If so, the machine keeps dying.
I have actually planned:
if they pay as promised **RM3,000**,
I'll help settle it once—only 2 minutes of work.
But...
Finance comes for **RM800** only.
He said:
"The company has a limit for external repair, after all the work doesn't seem difficult. ”
I look at the production manager.
People who said "confirm payment" before, are now silent.
I keep getting it—
Not because of the policy... **really want to press the price. **
I don't argue.
Take RM800, calculate, smile... keep on walking.
When I went out, I managed to hear the person at the back say:
"He just accepts even if he gives a little. ”
I'm not getting dizzy.
In my heart only think of one thing:
**they will look for me again later. **
—
Day three phone rings.
The machine keeps shutdown.
All buttons do not respond.
One line straight to stop.
Already called two other technicians—no problems found.
This time my own boss called:
"Last time misunderstanding... We pay RM3,000 + RM1,000, please come quickly. ”
I answer briefly:
"Confirm the price first, then I will come. ”
—
I arrived, turn on engine.
Not even **10 minutes**, I've found the cause.
Solder point tu.
I took the soldering iron, just touch it.
On reverse engine—keep going.
The line is back on.
The boss keeps quiet.
I was just saying :
"I saw this problem coming the other day. ”
Quiet all the time.
He kept asking finance to pay **RM4,000**, ready to apologize.
—
After that I heard,
3 days of downtime + delayed order,
Company lost almost **RM10,000+**.
All of that... Because I want to save a few hundred.
—
In this field I learned one thing:
**You can save money, but don't save respect for skilled people. **
If not...
finally paying more.
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