TANAH MERAH: A 25-year-old woman set out on her own as a tipper lorry driver despite possessing qualifications in the banking sector.
Nurul Farhana Mohd Khaiqhir said her decision was not easy , but she has never looked back since she began her career of her choice.
"There are those who even ask me why did I even pursue a tertiary education only to become a lorry driver?" said the woman with a Bachelor's Degree in Islamic Banking and Finance from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK).
When sharing her story to Harian Metro, Nurul Farhana who lives in Kampung Bukit Mas here said she became a tipper lorry driver since March.
Even though she has the paper qualifications to pursue a career in banking and finance, she made it clear she was not afraid about doing something considered 'outside of the box'.
She counts her blessings for having her family's support to do what she does.
"I used to work as a contractor in the construction and building sector before this, but I always had a desire to try my hand at something else and this is what 'drove' me to become a lorry driver.
"Before I took my licence, I tried driving my uncle's lorry to build up my confidence and driving skills. Alhamdulillah, it was all okay even though I knew next to nothing about driving lorries at the time.
"After I obtained my licence, I bought my own lorry and set up my own company. So I am an entrepreneur and I work independently. I'm not under a company that belongs to someone else," she said.
Speaking further, Nurul Farhana said her working hours were not fixed but she usually goes out to work by 7am.
There are times when she only returns home late in the evening or much earlier, especially when the weather is bad.
"I leave the house early in the morning and I go to the site to get the earth which is to be transported to the designated site or area.
"So far, so good. I work on my own, but the challenge is I have to compete against men as what I do is really male domain.
"I learnt how to handle a lorry if any issue crops up, but if there is a major problem I will need help of course."
When speaking about her posts on TikTok, Nurul Farhana said her intention was to show that women can do tough jobs that are typically only associated with men.
"I also share what I do on social media because I want to spread the word that women must be independent and not be too fussy or selective when it comes to work.
"I also want to spread awareness to other women to not be too dependent on men.
"Many have heaped praise, but there are also those who criticise and hurl insults, but I am not bothered by them. I am happy with what I do as a lorry driver. As long as I am able, I'll keep on doing it. For women who share similar interests as I have, I would say, go for it because we know what we are capable of."
She also said she takes part in 4x4 off-road competitions.
