At 102, Tok Saimah swears by simple food and steady routines

At the ripe age of 102, Tok Saimah Sajiman continues to adhere to the dietary habits she embraced in her younger years. Known as Tok Saimah, the centenarian resides in Kampung Rahmat, Sri Lalang and has a particular affinity for boiled and steamed dishes, such as sayur bening, ikan pais, and traditional village ulam. Though she is not completely averse to other types of food, Tok Saimah enjoys a straightforward and consistent diet.

Born in 1924, this remarkable woman has actively participated in gardening throughout her life, persistently maintaining a steady daily routine even as she has advanced in years. Her mealtimes remain remarkably unaltered, with breakfast typically between 8am and 9am, lunch preceding Zohor prayers, and dinner occurring before Isyak.

Tok Saimah's daughter, Fatimah Surip, a spry 78-year-old, marvels at her mother's relative good health at such an advanced age. Although her mother possesses no chronic ailments, Fatimah acknowledges that her mother's hearing has deteriorated over time. Tok Saimah can still perform her prayers while standing, but she prefers the convenience of a wheelchair for mobility.

Family life around Tok Saimah is bustling, as she is surrounded by more than 20 grandchildren and 50 great-grandchildren, spanning across several generations that grew up in a vastly different Malaysia compared to the one she experienced in her youth. She has witnessed the Japanese occupation, British colonial rule, and the communist insurgency, all while retaining memories of some of the country's most tumultuous periods.

Recently, Tok Saimah garnered attention on social media after receiving a visit from Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah at her home. Yet, despite the influx of attention that accompanies being over a century old, Tok Saimah's days remain anchored in her familiar habits - savoring simple food, observing regular prayers, and adhering to a routine that has long structured her everyday life.