One-sided Malaysian woman supports family with donuts she learned to bake online
The Internet has opened up many ways to learn something new, whether it is a skill, a language, or the latest viral dance trend.
For some, it has even become a launching pad for their careers, especially for those starting their own business.
Although she only has one tip, a Malaysian woman was able to start a donut business after learning to bake it online.
Source: programme
Determined to master cupcakes, she spent nearly eight months practicing her recipe by watching YouTube tutorials.
A woman with one tip earns S$30 a day selling donuts
The enterprising woman, Zeitoun Ibrahim, told Bernama that she started making cakes to support herself, her husband and their 17-year-old daughter.
Unable to afford baking lessons, she turned to YouTube as her “teacher” instead.
Ms. Zeitoun, who lost both her legs and her left arm at birth due to a fever, has spent nearly eight months watching online tutorials for a soft and fluffy bun.
Today, the 35-year-old earns an average of 30 Singapore dollars (100 Malaysian ringgit) a day selling her baked goods at an entertainment center in Ipoh, Perak.
Source: programme
She usually arrives with her husband as early as 5 a.m. to sell cupcakes that cost S$1.50 (RM5) for a group of three.
Donuts are available in a variety of flavors, including strawberry, chocolate, and banana.
The woman does not have IC due to non-Malaysian parents
Ms. Zeitoun’s disability is not the only hard blow that life has dealt.
Abandoned by her father and siblings at a young age, she does not hold a MyKad (Malaysian Identity Card).
Her parents, who are Thai nationals, did not register her birth. This prevented Ms. Zeitoun from obtaining various privileges reserved for Malaysian nationals.
Source: programme
For starters, she is unable to apply for disability assistance or incentives from the Department of Social Welfare.
She was also prevented from receiving treatment in government hospitals. As a result, she can only rely on pharmacies for her medical needs because private clinics are very expensive.
Setbacks make women more determined
Despite the challenges she has faced thus far, Ms. Zeitoun does not consider them as obstacles in her life.
On the contrary, they motivated her to improve the welfare of her family through a host of other businesses such as selling woven baskets, koeAnd the flowers.
Source: programme
However, it hurts that she cannot develop her business further due to the lack of MyKad.
She hopes that the relevant authorities will help her to secure a better future for her and her family.
A persistent spirit can conquer anything
Mrs. Zeitoun’s story proves that having the right spirit and behavior is the key to getting things done.
One can have all the resources and abilities in the world, but it means nothing without initiative and leadership.
With MyKad, one can only imagine how hard someone can work like Ms. Zaitun.
We hope her story reaches the right people so that she can finally be granted her long-awaited citizenship.
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Featured image adapted from Bernama.