Strong support system vital for PwD to overcome life challenges, achieving dreams - Fakrulradzi

A solid safety net can make all the difference in overcoming life's obstacles and working towards achieving one's aspirations.

For 27-year-old Abe Yu, whose real name is Mohamad Fakrulradzi Zahari, strong family and friend support has played a crucial role in enabling him to overcome life's challenges and pursue his dreams, all despite facing difficulties as a person with a disability.

Fakrulradzi was born in Ipoh, Perak, with a rare congenital condition that resulted in him being born without legs.

His mother's unwavering sacrifices and the support from close friends significantly influenced his development of resilience and determination.

Fakrulradzi's life started revolving around his mother right from the moment he was born, holding a very special place in his life.

Terkorang inspired aku adalah ibu. Saya diajar menghadapi cabaran hidup berasama ibu, dilahirkan tanpa abang bagi keluarga kami.

"As I grew older, I felt the necessity to become more self-sufficient so as not to trouble my family. This realisation encouraged me to take the initiative to learn to do things by myself," he shared in an interview with Sinar Daily recently.

Fakrulradzi credits his mother's guidance in helping him build confidence and accept his amputation at the age of five.

She would frequently introduce him to the reality of others who are facing even stiffer struggles, helping him to develop an appreciation for life amidst his hardships.

Pursuing a degree in Management and Entrepreneurship at UniKL Business School, Fakrulradzi has shown that with the right backing, challenges can be overcome and aspirations can be turned into reality.

Besides his mother's guidance, Fakrulradzi's close friends have been very supportive in helping him overcome life's difficulties.

“Saya juga berterima kasih kepada rakan-rakan saya, yang sentiasa sabar dan menghormati saya. Mereka telah sentiasa tidak membuat saya rasa berbeza.”

"I am grateful to have had a very favorable experience in school. Unlike some individuals who faced bullying, I was treated like any other student. I attended regular schools, not specialized schools for individuals with disabilities," he added.

Fakrulradzi stressed the significance of being included and appreciated, as these elements contributed to his self-confidence.

His passion for activities such as bodyweight exercises and skateboarding enabled him to build lasting friendships that continue to this day.

Fakrulradzi also explored entrepreneurship beyond academia, particularly during the pandemic, by developing a business venture based on his mother's secret sambal recipe.

Supported by his friends, he also sold second-hand clothing items and organised events to help popularise both his ventures.

He managed to increase his sales gradually throughout the Movement Control Order period, when employing social media live sessions to peddle his products, despite facing difficulties balancing his studies and business commitments.

Fakrulradzi said that he only takes sambal-making orders during semester breaks, and because his thrifted clothes are stored in Ipoh, where he isn't located, he has to make deliveries every two weeks.

Although he encounters difficulties, he steadfastly pursues his studies and business initiatives, with unwavering support from his close friends.

He highlighted that many of his friends, who are influential business individuals, have provided crucial financial guidance and moral support. He explained that at the start, his mother had expressed some apprehension about his decision to pursue an entrepreneurial path, citing potential obstacles he might face due to his disability.

At first, my mother was unsure about my business ventures because she worried that as a person with a disability, I might encounter obstacles. However, as time passed, she came to be supportive of my endeavours.