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Xiahou Dun
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Friday October 1, 2010
Disabled man drives children to school for side income
By SAZUKI EMBONG
[email protected]
KOTA BARU: He steers his car with his feet but it is not because he wants to show off. Rahim Yusoff, 44, was born without arms. Despite the handicap, he deftly manoeuvres his modified Proton Saga in Machang town, near here, to ferry schoolchildren and to run chores for the family. Parents of the seven children whom he ferries around daily have no problems entrusting their children to Rahim’s care.
In the driver’s seat: Rahim demonstrating how he steers before sending the children to school.
Rahim, who has a valid driving licence, said he had to practise a lot before passing his driving test. Farmer Osman Yusoff, 45, the father of one of the children, praised Rahim, saying he was a trustworthy individual and a shining example of the enduring human spirit. Rahim, he said, was a picture of perseverance and a glowing example of a man who does not wallow in self-pity or seek sympathy.
Sending children who are mostly handicapped including a few who are mentally challenged to school and fetching them back home gives Rahim much pleasure, but it is only to supplement the family income. His main occupation is poultry farming which he started some years ago with a RM10,000 grant from the Federal Government and lots of encouragement from the welfare authorities.
“I was born without arms and went straight into a world of poverty and self-pity, not to mention low self-esteem,” he said, adding that he spent many years at a welfare home. He later fell in love with a fellow resident, Noriadah Hamzah, 45, who is partially disabled. They got married and have since been blessed with two daughters, both normal. With a family to take care of, Rahim became more resolute to overcome the usual odds faced by the disabled, including society’s ignorance of their plight.
“I was fortunate to get help from the state welfare authorities, but after marrying Noriadah, I decided to strike out on my own,” he said, adding that he applied for and got a RM10,000 grant. With the money, Rahim started a poultry farm at Kampung Alor Melaka in Pulai Chondong. It started with 300 ducks which has now grown to more than 3,000 birds. The farm also produces salted eggs.
“However, my greatest feat is ferrying schoolchildren to a school in Machang,” he said, adding that he had to make several trips to ferry the children and his two girls. His message to fellow disabled people: “Persevere and be hopeful. Life is full of chances, which one must grab instead of wallowing in self-pity.” It is learnt that JPJ officials visited Rahim at his home yesterday. JPJ director-general Datuk Solah Mat Hassan said they were investigating the validity of his driving licence.
