Physical disability fails to dampen woman's spirit to strive in sewing business

SERI ISKANDAR, April 26 (Bernama) -- Dianah Rabidi, who lost her right leg in a road accident 10 years ago, did not let that dampen her spirit to venture into the sewing business.

Dianah, 30, who resides at Changkat Sodang Seri Iskandar with her mother, said that it was not easy to restore her spirit to continue living, but the encouragement of people around her, including her family, has helped her to stand on her feet.

"I had to forget my ambition as a chef. I graduated in hospitality and catering at Chenderoh Community College, Kuala Kangsar in 2010. I decided to get a skills certificate in a sewing course at the Warisan Gemilang Training Centre here, “she told Bernama.

The youngest of four siblings said her interest in sewing began to blossom after learning the skill and gaining experience as a sewing tutor for about five years at the training centre.

The Ipoh-born Dianah said she challenged herself to focus on her business by taking orders to sew clothes and others, such as pillowcases and curtains using a lockstitch sewing machine at her home.

According to Dianah, her income as a seamstress was severely affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but she was grateful to receive hundreds of orders, including traditional attire such as baju kurung and jubah (long dress) in conjunction with the upcoming Aidilfitri.

"I strive with determination, using all my energy to finish sewing at least three pairs of clothes every day with a wage of RM40 per pair, despite not having sewing machines to sew rough edges,” she added.

She also advised disabled people throughout the country, not to be easily discouraged and feel inferior because every human being has their capabilities and advantages.

"After the accident, I suffered from depression, but I regained my spirit when I saw that many disabled people were successful,” she said adding that she was also inspired to go further in life after seeing the efforts of the OKU Sentral president, Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi, who seeks to advance the group in the country.

Dianah said she plans to expand her business and open a clothing boutique in the future.

-- BERNAMA