KUALA LUMPUR - While his peers chose to pursue higher education or work in air-conditioned offices, 20-year-old Aiman Hakim Baharudin is more content with continuing his father's legacy in making 'kepok kubur' (tombstone).
Aiman, affectionately known as Dikman, said his interest in making tombstones started in his early days in primary school when he often watched and helped his father in their family workshop in Paya Jaras near Sungai Buloh here.
"At first, I only helped my father out of pity seeing him struggle to lift heavy tombstones, but over time, I developed an interest. When I was 10, I started learning to make them and after finishing school, I've been assisting my father on a full-time basis and now I manage this tombstone production," he said when met by Bernama recently.
Often called 'Man Kubur' by his friends, he said he never regretted his career choice; instead, he was grateful to continue his father's legacy and help ease the family's burden.
"At first, I was a bit embarrassed, especially when friends gave me all kinds of nicknames but it never bothered me. I'm happy with this job as long as it provides halal sustenance and, at the very least, it makes me mindful and often think about death."
"Customers are often taken aback when they learn my age and ask why I didn't continue studying or seek other jobs. The income I get from this business is quite worth it, even though it requires me to often be at cemeteries,” said Aiman who is able to produce as many as five tombstones a day besides helping his brother instal them in cemeteries throughout the Peninsula.
The youngest of four siblings said that despite experiencing some spooky incidents at the cemeteries, it had never dampened his spirit to continue his passion.
"Talking about eerie experiences, I once received a tombstone order from someone already dead. It may sound unreal but that incident really gave me the chills,” he said.
Aiman also advised today's youth not to be too selective in choosing jobs but to embrace opportunities that come their way.
Meanwhile, Aiman's older brother, Irwan Shah, 33, said that seeing their father's dedication, who is a visually impaired Person with Disabilities (PwD) working while assisting the needy, fueled his interest in the field even more.
"After several years of earning a monthly income, in 2019, I chose to assist my father's business. I was already accustomed to hard work so diving into this field was a piece of cake for me. I'm happy with this choice.
"My intention is to fulfil the obligation of fardu kifayah (communal responsibility). My dad's business focuses a lot on helping others for free. It's all about lending a hand to those who need it most,” said Irwan Shah who aspires to open a free funeral management centre run by young people.
The father who is instrumental in this successful family venture, Baharudin Hassan, 56, gives freedom and never forces his children to follow in his footsteps but always supports their interests.
Baharudin believes that a strong spirit and right intentions are the main sources of his success in the field, inspiring all his children to succeed in the business together.
"Besides Aiman and Irwan Shah, my other two children also help in this business. I am grateful that the efforts I have made all this time have borne fruit and become a reason for happiness in our family,” said Baharuddin who used to work as a garbage collector before venturing into the tombstone business. - BERNAMA