Women Behind The Lens: Defying Odds To Capture Truth , Faith, Untold Stories
A photographer with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Fathin Suhaira Abd Rahim (right) when she participated in a mission to rescue Malaysians who were victims of a fraud syndicate at KK Garden, also known as the 'Garden of Hell' - Credit: Fathin Suhaira Abd Rahim
By Puti Iylia Maisarah Zol Azman
KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 (Bernama) -- Crawling through dense undergrowth, thorny tree crevices, cornfields, and crossing rivers infested with crocodiles — these were challenges faced by a courageous lensman determined to capture images of a human trafficking syndicate's headquarters on the Thailand-Myanmar border.
Fathin Suhaira Abd Rahim, 33, a photographer with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), recounted the harrowing experience which took place in 2023 when she participated in a mission to rescue Malaysians who were victims of a fraud syndicate at KK Garden, also known as the 'Garden of Hell'.
Since joining Bernama in 2017, Fathin has defied stereotypes in a profession often dominated by men, viewing each assignment as a platform to sharpen her skills and break boundaries.
"I've been passionate about photography since I was a child. Every time I watch the news on television. I'd always wonder what happened behind the scenes of the news. That curiosity slowly nurtured my love for photography,' she said.
A proud daughter of Kedah, Fathin isn't content with merely framing images through her lens. For her, each photograph is a visual narrative, a medium to uncover truths and highlight issues that resonate deeply within the community.
Armed with a five-kilogram Canon R3 camera that rarely leaves her side, Fathin Suhaira proves that women, too, can command the world of photography, capturing powerful moments in the heart of the action.
Addressing the stereotypes often attached to her profession, she said that photography isn't merely a job, it's a bold voice, a tool for advocacy, a medium to fight for the truth, and a platform to amplify stories and voices too often left unheard.
"It's time to shatter the stereotype that this career is not meant for women, and stop belittling this field. I'm tired of hearing comments like, 'Oh, you're just a photographer, just taking pictures, it must be easy'.
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