After all, why take on a thankless task which will give you little to no reward in return? Plus, community work is a heavy burden that requires huge investments of time and energy.

But for Elaine Nathaniel, a Section 17 Petaling Jaya resident, that burden was a challenge that she had to tackle for the greater good of her community.

When she was first asked to become a councillor with the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) back in 2016, the mother of two who also happens to work full-time at a local bank considered her options.

“I had to think hard about it,” she said when contacted by FMT, “I’m a daughter of Petaling Jaya, having stayed in Section 17 throughout my life.”

Nathaniel knew and loved the community so much, and this fact alone was enough to encourage her to stay and look after the area as an MBPJ councillor.

She would then stay in that position until very recently, when her tenure finally came to an end.

Said tenure was one in which she carried out her duties wholeheartedly and brought much change and improvement to the condition of the neighbourhood.

Nathaniel was dedicated to her work and attended every single MBPJ meeting without fail, to the extent of using up her annual leave in the process.

Even after working hours, she would make time to meet residents to listen to their complaints, proving to be the vital link between them and the city council.

And under her supervision, the residents of Section 17 have successfully brought many projects to life.

Among these is the Community Policing Section 17, which saw Nathaniel joining residents in conducting night patrols of their residential area.

Her recruitment drive was a relentless effort as she organised the residents to form regular patrols.

In fact, it really is to Nathaniel’s credit that residents showed commitment and showed up to patrol each week.

According to patrol volunteer Kelly Sze, Section 17 was blessed to have Nathaniel as councillor, with her rapport with the police helping immensely in the fight against crime.

“Whatever the community of Section 17 faces, she knows and understands,” said Sze.

In addition to security patrols, Nathaniel was instrumental in helping the traders of the popular Section 17 market navigate the complexities surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic.

She helped organise and manage crowd control and ensure SOP compliance among visitors, a feat that has clearly paid off, as the market has not recorded even one Covid-19 case to date.

In spite of the language barrier between her and the traders, she strived to help resolve any issue that arose and helped make the market compliant with government health regulations.

Her last project also involved the market, with a large, gorgeous mural being painted on its wall.

According to market volunteer Kelvin Yap, Nathaniel’s efforts have turned the market into a beautiful, safe and clean place for all.

“Everyone respects her!” he said. “I’ve seen her buying food and drinks for cleaners after a long day of work. The smiles on their faces are priceless.”

As councillor, Nathaniel also took steps to counter the pressing issue of frequent dengue outbreaks in her neighbourhood.

She helped to organise residents into a taskforce called Search & Destroy Aedes Rangers (Sedar) which detects and eliminates mosquito breeding grounds.

Sedar volunteer Billie Tan said that despite Nathaniel’s busy schedule, she tried her best to make time to join them on their patrols.

“She works from her heart, because this is also her home. She was always around and contactable when needed,” said Tan.

“She is cool headed and not easily frazzled. She built a team of people who are more than willing to assist her in her many endeavours for the betterment of Section 17.”

For all her good works, Nathaniel has long earned the respect of her fellow residents, whose safety and comfort have largely improved thanks to the projects undertaken by her.

Cecilia Mah, a Section 17 resident said that thanks to Nathaniel’s help, the residents were also able to apprehend three burglars who had been terrorising the neighbourhood.

“She is often seen in the marketplace or around our area, unlike former councillors who were never around to handle our problems,” said Mah.

“I can vouch for Elaine, as she is the best councillor we have ever had so far, and I have stayed in this area for more than 50 years.”

So, what was it that drove Nathaniel to do her best for her community?

“I believe that in whatever we do, it’s all about compassion for people, whether it’s about crime or just serving everyone by attending to complaints made to MBPJ,” she said.

The work was never easy, added Nathaniel, but she does admit that she is proud of what she accomplished in her years-long tenure.

While her time on the city council has drawn to a close, she still holds high hopes for her neighbourhood and its fellow residents, especially during these trying times.

“My hope now is for the pandemic to be over soon. People and businesses are suffering,” she said.

“We need to stay united as a whole in one big community.”