Strong support system vital for PwD to overcome life challenges, achieving dreams - Fakrulradzi
From the moment of his birth, Fakrulradzi’s mother became the cornerstone of his life.
A strong support system can make all the difference in overcoming life’s challenges and pursuing one’s dreams.
For 27-year-old Mohamad Fakrulradzi Zahari, fondly known as Abe Yu, the unwavering support of family and friends has been a vital source of strength, helping him navigate life’s obstacles and achieve his aspirations despite being a person with a disability.
Born in Ipoh, Perak, Fakrulradzi faced life without legs due to a congenital condition.
However, the sacrifices of his mother and the encouragement of friends played a pivotal role in shaping his resilience and determination.
From the moment of his birth, Fakrulradzi’s mother became the cornerstone of his life.
"My biggest inspiration is my mum. Growing up without a father, I witnessed her challenges in raising me on her own.
“As I matured, I felt the need to become more independent and not burden my family. This drive pushed me to learn how to do things on my own,” he told Sinar Daily recently.
Fakrulradzi credits his mother for helping him build confidence and accept his condition after losing his leg at age five.
She often introduced him to individuals facing even greater challenges, teaching him to appreciate life despite his struggles.
Currently pursuing a degree in Management and Entrepreneurship at UniKL Business School, Fakrulradzi has proven that with the right support system, obstacles can be overcome and dreams can be realised.
Alongside his mother’s influence, Fakrulradzi’s friends have played a crucial role in helping him navigate life's challenges.
“I’m also grateful for my friends, who have always been patient and treated me with respect. They’ve never made me feel like I was different.
“I also was fortunate to have a positive school experience. Unlike others who face bullying, I was treated like any other student. I attended regular schools, not those specifically for people with disabilities,” he said.
Fakrulradzi emphasised the importance of inclusion and kindness, which bolstered his self-esteem.
His love for activities like calisthenics and skateboarding helped him forge friendships that remain strong to this day.
Beyond academics, Fakrulradzi ventured into business, particularly during the pandemic, by commercialising his mother’s sambal recipe.
Encouraged by friends, he also sold thrifted clothes and ran events to promote both ventures.
“During the Movement Control Order (MCO), I went live on social media to sell my products, and sales grew steadily,” he said, though he acknowledged the challenges of balancing studies and business.
Fakrulradzi highlighted that he only takes sambal orders during semester breaks, and his stock of thrifted clothes is in Ipoh, while he studies in Kuala Lumpur, which means fulfilling orders every two weeks.
Despite facing challenges, he continues to pursue his degree and business ventures, with strong support from his friends.
He emphasised that many of his friends, who are successful business people, have offered valuable financial advice and encouragement. Initially, he shared his mother was hesitant about his entrepreneurial journey, concerned about the difficulties he might encounter as a person with a disability.
“Initially, my mum was hesitant about my business ventures, as she worried about the challenges I might face as a disabled person. Over time, she grew to support my efforts,” he said.
