Fewer MCs since he switched to night shift

As a porter at Changi Airport, 69-year-old Mr Haron's day starts at 9pm and ends 13 hours later at 10am.

Mr Haron's story was highlighted by a group of former students from the Nanyang Technological University, who started a campaign called Strangers of the Night in appreciation of those who keep Singapore running past our bedtimes.

Says Mr Haron: "The lack of sleep is difficult, especially at my age. I can feel the tiredness and sleepiness.

"Sometimes I am so tired (after work), I would fall asleep on the train (on the way home) and miss my stop."

He envies his younger colleagues, whom he says are "different".

UP ALL NIGHT: Mr Haron does a 13-hour shift at Changi Airport, starting from 9pm. PHOTO: STRANGERS OF THE NIGHT

"They are energetic and active, it is hard for me to catch up with them," he says.

NOT ALL BAD

The hours might be long, but Mr Haron, who has been working the graveyard shift for two years, says it is not all bad.

At his previous desk-bound office job, he says he fell ill frequently and would take medical leave at least twice a month.

But since he started working at the airport, he hardly falls ill.

He says: "I am happy that I can still work and don't get sick. Actually, funny story, last time I work in the office, every month MC two, three times, but now I work at night, seldom fall sick."

Also, working at night allows Mr Haron to observe a more diverse set of people - something he enjoys.

"There are so many passengers, so many characters," he says.

"It is interesting to work at night because the types of people (I see) are different (than in the) daytime."

"I am happy that I can still work and don't get sick. Actually, funny story, last time I work in the office, every month MC two, three times, but now I work at night, seldom fall sick."

- Mr Haron, a porter at Changi Airport