Small trader, big dream: World Cup beckons
Despite having lost his right leg below the knee in an accident some time ago, 33-year-old Muhammad Irwani Mohd Amirsirifudin from Kampung Pulau Padang Bota Kiri refuses to rely solely on government aid or public donations. Nicknamed 'Wan Sekerat' (literally "Half Wan'), Muhammad Irwani remains determined and full of spirit, driven by a strong will to succeed in life each day. - Bernama photo
Nicknamed 'Wan Sekerat' (literally "Half Wan'), Muhammad Irwani remains determined and full of spirit, driven by a strong will to succeed in life each day.
The seventh of ten siblings, he took the initiative to earn a living by selling fruits from his three-wheeled motorcycle around Bota, near Parit, stopping at popular eateries frequented by the public.
"As long as I'm able to move, I'll continue to use my strength to earn a living for myself and my family,' Muhammad Irwani told Bernama when met here.
Muhammad Irwani said he leaves home in the morning to collect fruits from local suppliers around Bota Kiri and Titi Gantung, before making rounds to popular eateries between 11 am and 2 pm.
"Right now, it's mangosteen and rambutan season. The response has been very encouraging-I can sell up to 40 to 50 kilogrammes (kg) a day, with mangosteens priced at RM10 per kg and rambutans at RM9,' he said.
"I usually stop at eateries during lunchtime, and if there are many buyers, I'll stay for about 10 to 20 minutes at each location,' he told Bernama when met today.
Still single, he shared that before selling fruits, he had been selling fish around his village since 2018, before switching to fruits in 2022.
"The idea to sell fruits came about after some customers started asking for them while I was still selling fish. Then I noticed the potential from the crowd at food stalls,' he said.
"Usually, the people who stop in Bota are from out of town-perhaps on their way to Manjung or elsewhere-so when they see fruits that don't require a knife to peel, they tend to buy them,' said Muhammad Irwani, who earns around RM1,500 a month from selling fruits.
Recounting how he lost his right leg in 2015, Muhammad Irwani said it happened while he was on his way back to Bota after a kayaking activity in Pasir Salak.
"I was born with a right leg that didn't function properly-it was limp and dangling-so on the way back, I was riding pillion with a friend. Maybe I was tired and didn't realise that my leg had slipped into the rear wheel.
"I was admitted to Manjung Hospital, and on the second day there, I asked the doctor to amputate my leg below the knee because it couldn't be saved,' he said.
He added that despite the incident, he never lost hope. Instead, it fuelled his determination to keep working and avoid becoming a burden to his family.
"If I wanted to, I could just rely on the monthly assistance of RM450 I receive from the Social Welfare Department (JKM), but that's no reason for me to sit at home and do nothing.
"As long as I'm still able, I will continue to run my business to supplement my income. We shouldn't let our disabilities become an excuse to be idle,' he said.
Speaking about his past experiences, he shared that he had previously worked in various jobs, including at night markets, selling bamboo and ice, as well as doing other odd jobs in the village.
Despite his physical limitations, Muhammad Irwani's ambition remains strong-he actively plays football as part of the national amputee football team Harimau Kudung under the Malaysian Amputee Football Association (MAFA).
"I've been involved in sports since 2018 and became more active in 2022. I'm currently preparing for the Amputee Football World Cup Qualifiers in Jakarta this November.
"People with disabilities are not only capable of being independent but can also contribute meaningfully to society and the nation. Most importantly, never let your limitations become a barrier to success. With effort, prayer, and trust in God, success will come,' he said. - BERNAMA
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