07/05/2026

LYFE THURSDAY | MAY 7, 2026

23 Helping hands for Kuantan’s ladyfolk

o Woman ‘runner’ provides convenience, companionship, lifeline for community T IME constraints and work demands have driven the growing popularity of “runner” services among the

public, including one offered by this young woman, who not only delivers items but also offers companionship services for women in need. For Nor Anisah Abdullah, 29, the idea came about when she noticed many people face difficulties in getting immediate help for daily tasks, especially women and the elderly, prompting her to step in as a community lifeline. In addition to delivery services, she also accepts requests to accompany individuals to hospital appointments, go shopping, pick up and send customers’ children to school or tuition classes, handle office and documentation matters and provide childcare. She said the service not only makes things easier for clients but also adds value in terms of emotional support and trust, particularly for those living alone. “Recently, a woman asked me to accompany her to a hospital appointment, so I handled all the procedures, including pushing her wheelchair, staying with her during her consultation with the doctor and helping to buy food. Sometimes, they just need someone to be there – after all, not everything can be done alone,” she told Bernama. The mother of one daughter added she also assists clients facing emergency situations, while serving as a “listener” to women who wish to share their problems. “There are also clients willing to pay for me to send them to Kuala Lumpur International Airport from Kuantan. I do it to help, while at the

same time earning additional income,” said the Kuantan native. According to her, the charges vary depending on the services provided, and on average, she earns hundreds of ringgit a day, starting work as early as 7am and sometimes continuing into the night. However, she acknowledged the job carries risks and involves various safety concerns and she remains cautious before accepting any requests to pick up or transport clients. “The first thing I ensure is the location – that it is not isolated or secluded – and secondly, the client’s identity, as I only accept bookings from women. There have also been cases where men tried to deceive me by making bookings,” she shared. However, Nor Anisah admitted the main challenge is ensuring punctuality and maintaining the trust placed in her by clients since she began offering the service last year. She also acts as a listener for women who need someone to confide in. – ALL PICS FROM BERNAMA

Nor Anisah, 29, spends time with a client who has hired her for companionship.

However, beneath its textured black tones lies a bold experiment – the use of organic fertiliser as the primary medium. Its creator Muhamat Ammar Idris, or Ammar Idris, 27, said the piece titled Atas Dasar was produced using a combination of approximately 20kg of fertiliser, polyvinyl acetate (PVA) glue and acrylic, translating the principles and processes of his growth as an artist. “ Atas Dasar reflects much of my personal perspective as an artist. It relates to artistic principles – creativity sometimes requires compromise, not standing solely on individual effort. “Ideas also emerge through discussions. There are times when we cannot immediately translate ideas into artwork, as we need to engage with mentors to further develop their potential,” he said when met at the culmination of the third cycle of the Iltizam Arts Residency Programme recently. The Kulim, Kedah-born artist said his choice of organic fertiliser was “I believe services like this are truly needed, especially in urban areas, and demand is also increasing, particularly among working individuals and the elderly. At the same time, once clients feel comfortable and trust the service, they tend to recommend it to others,” she said. In the meantime, she hopes more people will view “runner” services as a viable profession that not only generates income but also supports the community. “Although it may seem like a small service, its impact is significant for those in need. Another reason I do this job is that it allows me to spend more time with my daughter while helping to support our small family’s finances,” she said.

In addition to spending time with clients, Anisah also offers services such as running errands and transporting children.

Kedah artist Ammar Idris creates unique piece using organic fertiliser AT first glance, the artwork displayed at the Alir Exhibition at Galeri Sareng, Menara Chan appears simple, resembling thick strokes of acrylic paint. influenced by his four-month residency in Karak, Pahang, where he had the opportunity to interact with farmers and better understand the material.

slows the process and makes the structure more fragile, so it really depends on sunlight. If it rains, the process is disrupted,” he explained. Once dried, Ammar applies collage techniques, pulling, tearing and rearranging the formed layers to achieve the desired surface texture. – Bernama

For Ammar, fertiliser carries symbolic value, representing growth, much like his own evolving journey in the art world, shaped by continuous learning and diverse experiences. Although the five-by-six-foot artwork was completed within a week, he spent nearly two months on research and development to determine the best formula for using the material. The graduate of the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage said the process was far from easy, as weather conditions significantly affected the structural strength of the raw materials. “I would mould the fertiliser together

with PVA glue, then pour it onto the c a n v a s surface to dry under the sun. Using a fan

Ammar’s latest work is made from fertiliser, inspired by his time spent in Karak among farmers.

Ammar poses with his artworks at the exhibition.