On Jan. 16, a photo of a blind tissue-seller reading the newspapers was uploaded to Reddit Singapore and Facebook pages such as All Singapore Stuff.
The sign beside him reads, "I am blind, unable to work. I can only sell tissue paper. Please help me. Thank you for your support."
Unfortunately, the photo has gathered a number of snarky comments, mostly from social media users who pointed out the logical flaw.
Thankfully, a good number of users displayed understanding and compassion.
Blind in one eye, visually-impaired in the other
Due to the furore, Shinmin Daily News tracked down the tissue-seller in Tampines.
Speaking to the Chinese daily, 72-year-old Liu Zhen Xian said that he has been selling tissue in the area for less than a year.
He usually starts work in the afternoon and packs up at around 8pm.
Regarding the controversy over his blindness, Liu produced proof -- what looks like an ID -- from the Singapore Association Of The Visually Handicapped.
You can see a photo of it in SMDN's tweet:
淡滨尼“盲伯”一边卖纸巾,一边“看”报纸,引发热议,七旬“盲伯”受访说因由,指自己是一眼失明一眼弱视,阅报是他多年习惯,因此即使已不太看得了,靠仅剩的视力来读报纸。https://t.co/COic814Sep 《新明》热线91918727等您来通报!#Singapore pic.twitter.com/yqPRNT6Ps1
— Shin Min Daily News (@shinmindaily) January 17, 2019
The elderly man also explained that he was completely blind in his right eye and visually-impaired in his left eye.
He has difficulty seeing in low-light situations.
However, according to the tweet above, reading the papers is a long-time habit of Liu’s.
Despite his ailing eyesight, the tissue-seller continues to read the papers, however limited his vision may be.
Exasperated
Liu is exasperated about the accusations of him being a con man, SMDN reports.
"I hope that people will not speculate without verification," the tissue-seller said.
Liu adds that his right eye was injured by a marble in his 20s, while his left eye is deteriorating due to age.
Top image from Reddit Singapore / SMDN
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