The internet has opened up numerous ways to learn something new, be it a skill, language or the latest viral dance trend.
For some, it has even become a launching pad for their careers, especially for those starting their own businesses.
Despite having only one limb, a Malaysian woman was able to start a doughnut business after learning to bake them online.
Source: Bernama
Determined to perfect her doughnuts, she spent nearly eight months practising her recipe by viewing YouTube tutorials.
The enterprising woman, Zaitun Ibrahim, told Bernama that she started making doughnuts to support herself, her husband, and their 17-year-old daughter.
As she could not afford baking lessons, she turned to YouTube as her ‘teacher’ instead.
Ms Zaitun, who lost both her legs and left arm at birth from a fever, spent close to eight months viewing online tutorials to achieve soft, fluffy doughnuts.
Today, the 35-year-old earns an average of S$30 (RM100) a day selling her baked goods at a recreation centre in Ipoh, Perak.
Source: Bernama
Accompanied by her husband, she usually arrives as early as 5am to sell her doughnuts, which cost S$1.50 (RM5) for a set of three.
The doughnuts are available in a variety of flavours, including strawberry, chocolate, and banana.
Ms Zaitun’s disability is not the only tough blow that life has dealt her.
Her father abandoned her and her siblings at a young age, and she does not hold a MyKad (Malaysian identity card).
Her parents, who are Thai nationals, did not register her birth. This has prevented Ms Zaitun from accessing various privileges reserved for Malaysian citizens.
Source: Bernama
For starters, she is unable to apply for special needs aid or incentives from the Department of Social Welfare.
She is also barred from receiving treatment at government hospitals. As a result, she can only rely on pharmacies for her medical needs as private clinics are too expensive.
Despite the challenges she’s faced so far, Ms Zaitun does not see them as obstacles in her life.
On the contrary, they have motivated her to improve her family’s welfare through a host of other businesses like selling woven baskets, kueh, and flowers.
Source: Bernama
That said, it pains her that she cannot develop her businesses further due to the lack of a MyKad.
She hopes that the relevant authorities can help her so that she may secure a better future for herself and her family.
Ms Zaitun’s story proves that having the right spirit and attitude is key to making things happen.
One can have all the resources and abilities in the world, but they mean nothing without initiative and drive.
With a MyKad, one can only imagine how much further someone as hardworking as Ms Zaitun can go.
Here’s hoping her story reaches the right people so that she can finally be awarded her long-overdue citizenship.
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Featured image adapted from Bernama.
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