BUTTERWORTH: Standing at only 117cm, Nurul Izzah Mohammad Asri, 25, is not allowing her physical disability to stop her from pursuing a career in tailoring.
Never mind that she has to stand on a chair to take her customers' measurements, Nurul, from Merbau Kudung in Tasek Gelugor near here, is taking it all in her stride to make some money for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which is less than two weeks away.
Met by the New Straits Times recently, the pint-sized woman said she took in 50 orders this Hari Raya, comprising baju kurung, baju kebaya, jubah and baju melayu, compared with only 20 orders during the festive season last year.
"I received countless requests, but dare not take in more orders for fear that I may not be able to complete them on time. So, I'll stick with just 50 orders. I will only do alterations for the rest.
"Although 50 orders seem little, I am glad that I am able to earn some money to help my family this festive season.
"I will not allow my physical disability to stand in my way.
"Alhamdulillah, this is only the beginning. My dream is to set up my own shop and to hire several people to assist me. I just want to thank everyone who has helped me in one way or another," she said when met.
Nurul said there was no issue with using the sewing machine, but she does use a customised chair so that her feet reach the machine's pedal.
According to Nurul, who holds an OKU card, she was able to complete a simple baju kurung within a day, and the more fashionable ones would take between two and three days to complete.
Nurul said she started taking orders from relatives and friends after completing a short course in tailoring last year.
Since then, she started taking in more orders, particularly for alterations and children's uniform.
"I did everything by myself from scratch. I cut my own cloth and did all the sewing myself.
"I started with only one sewing machine, now I have three, with their own respective functions," she added.
Nurul said she had always dreamt of being a chef after completing her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.
"However, there were many limitations due to my size. I then discussed with my mum on what I should do next as I have always enjoyed learning new things. It was then that my mum recommended I take up tailoring.
"The rest, as they say, is history. I followed a six-month tailoring course with KEMAS (Jabatan Kemajuan Masyarakat) to pick up the trade. I had zero knowledge then.
"Initially, my dad bought me my first sewing machine at a cost of RM800. I subsequently bought another with my own savings and allowance I received from the Welfare Department at a cost of RM1,500 back in 2020.
"I was overjoyed back then to see my parents donning the baju melayu and baju kurung I personally made from scratch," she said, adding that the also followed another short course called "Program Khas Sukses Kursus Asas Kemahiran Seni Reka Fesyen" for six months before she was offered a certificate course for the same thing for 18-months with Institut Kemahiran Perda (PERDA-Tech).
She added that it was in PERDA-Tech that she polished her skills and it even offered her numerous assistance to succeed.
