08/08/2025

FRIDAY | AUG 8, 2025

6

Couple with disabilities striving to be self-sufficient

Bottle cap souvenirs draw local, foreign tourists MERSING: Bottle caps and used boxes that are usually discarded are now being processed by into souvenirs such as keychains and fridge magnets, which have become a tourist attraction for both domestic and international visitors. Mersing Souvenir House (MSH) manager Ahmad Firdaus Shaik Omar, 43, said the creativity of residents here is showcased through the Mersing Souvenir House initiative, which was established through a RM100,000 SejaTi Madani grant. He said most villages focus on the agriculture and livestock sectors, but this group chose to be different by showcasing the identity of Mersing through handicrafts with a marine theme. Ahmad Firdaus, who is also the Mersing Tourism Association secretary, said the project began in October 2024 and has been promoted since February. The initiative also organises craft workshops and interactive activities for visitors, including school students in the district. He said all products are produced by the community, including people with disabilities and the asnaf , who indirectly benefit economically from the demand for the souvenirs. “MSH is not just a craft centre but a social enterprise that generates income and creates employment opportunities. We have six permanent staff. “We also plan to establish a recycling centre to expand production, in addition to getting sponsorship for a recycling machine to improve efficiency. For now, we still rely on the residents.” He added that in July, his team was visited by 20 students from France, aged between 15 and 18, and they were shown how to make turtle replicas and caps from recycled materials. They were also introduced to playing traditional games such as gasing . “The two-hour (workshop) was not only fun, but also exposed them to our culture while ensuring environmental sustainability.” – Bernama

JOHOR facing communication challenges, a couple with disabilities has shown that perseverance can pave the way to financial independence. Zulkifli Ainul Mokhsein, 38, and his wife Siti Nuratika Mohd Suhaimi, 32, who are both hearing and speech impaired, sell “epok-epok”, the name Johoreans use for what many know as “karipap” (curry puff). As early as 4am, the couple, who live in the Setia Indah People’s Housing Project (PPR), can be found in their kitchen preparing the snack. They operate their stall, “Epok-Epok OKU”, from Monday to Saturday, between noon and 6pm at Taman Setia Indah. Their small business has drawn attention, not just for the curry puffs, but also for the warm service from the couple, who are parents to four children. They communicate with customers using hand gestures that are easy to understand. The method was also used during the interview with Bernama, along with typed messages on a mobile phone. “Our curry puffs come in a variety of fillings – potato, beef, chicken, sardine and egg. Alhamdulillah , the response has been encouraging,” said Zulkifli. The couple also accepts orders for special occasions, as well as infak (donations) for those wishing to give alms. “For infak orders, I will send a photo of the delivery as proof, it is my way of being transparent in business.” However, behind the smile Zulkifli wears while serving customers, lies a deep struggle. He was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma in 2019, forcing him to give up his job as a lorry driver. Since then, the couple has relied on selling frozen curry puffs to support their family, o Small business provides lifeline to support four children, ageingfamilymember BAHRU: Despite

Zulkifli (left) and Siti Nuratika (right) overcome their disabilities by communicating with customers using simple hand gestures. – BERNAMAPIC

find employment. In addition to managing the stall, Zulkifli travels to the hospital for chemotherapy and undergoes a positron emission tomography scan twice a year. Even with these challenges, he expressed gratitude for the support he has received. His house rental is currently covered by Baitulmal and the Yayasan Bandaraya Johor Bahru, which has helped with his family’s finances. To make purchases or place infak orders, the public may contact the couple at 013-742 8343 or 019-896 8525.

although Zulkifli admits that finding customers can be challenging. He expressed hope that the public would continue to support their business, which helps sustain not only his family but also his ageing mother. Despite relying solely on income from sales and monthly assistance from Baitulmal and the Social Welfare Department, Zulkifli remains committed to giving back. He recently offered a job at his stall to a friend, who is also hearing and speech impaired, and had been struggling to