From Struggle To Strength: Disabled Couple Finds Hope In 'Epok-epok' Business

By Nur Fatin Mohmad Kadenen

JOHOR BAHRU, July 31 (Bernama) -- Despite facing communication challenges, a couple with disabilities has shown that perseverance and determination can pave the way to financial independence - through the humble yet beloved ‘epok-epok’, the name Johoreans use for what many know as ‘karipap’ (curry puff).

Zulkifli Ainul Mokhsein, 38, and his wife Siti Nuratika Mohd Suhaimi, 32, who are both hearing and speech impaired, have proven that resilience and hard work can overcome any barrier.

As early as 4 am, the couple, who live in the Setia Indah People’s Housing Project (PPR), can be found hard at work in their modest kitchen, preparing their popular snacks. They operate their stall, ‘Epok-Epok OKU’, from Monday to Saturday, between noon and 6 pm in Taman Setia Indah.

Since opening earlier this month, the stall has drawn steady attention, not just for the deliciousness of their curry puffs, but also for the warm and welcoming service from the couple, who are parents to four children.

Zulkifli Ainul and Siti Nuratika communicate with customers using simple, intuitive hand gestures that are easy to understand. This method was also used during the interview with Bernama, along with written messages on a mobile phone.

“Our curry puffs come in a variety of flavours - potato, beef, chicken, sardine, and egg. Alhamdulillah, the response so far has been very encouraging,” said Zulkifli Ainul.

Amid the bustle of running their stall, often accompanied by their children, the couple also accepts orders for special occasions, as well as infak (donations) for those wishing to give alms.

“For infak orders, I’ll send a photo of the delivery as proof, it’s my way of being transparent and honest in business,” he added.

However, behind the cheerful smile Zulkifli Ainul wears while serving customers lies a deeper struggle. In 2019, he was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma, forcing him to give up his job as a vegetable lorry driver.

Since then, the couple has relied on selling frozen curry puffs to support their family - though Zulkifli admits that finding customers can sometimes be challenging.

Zulkifli Ainul hopes that the public will continue to support their small business, which helps sustain not only his family but also his ageing mother.

Despite relying solely on income from curry puff sales and monthly assistance from Baitulmal and the Social Welfare Department, Zulkifli remains committed to giving back. He recently offered a job at his stall to a friend, who is also hearing and speech impaired, and had been struggling to find employment.

“I’m working to support my wife, my four children, and my mother, who suffers from high blood pressure and diabetes,” he shared.

In addition to managing the stall, Zulkifli regularly travels to the hospital for chemotherapy and undergoes a positron emission tomography (PET) scan twice a year at the National Cancer Institute (IKN).

Even with these challenges, he expressed gratitude for the support he has received. His house rental is currently covered by Baitulmal and the Yayasan Bandaraya Johor Bahru, which has helped ease his family’s financial burden.

Those wishing to make purchases or place infak orders can contact the couple at 013-742 8343 or 019-896 8525.

-- BERNAMA