13-8-2024 (KOTA BHARU) In the bustling restaurant scene of Malaysia, two waiters with disabilities are carving out their own paths, challenging societal perceptions and demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.
Che Mohd Fadil Che Abdul Rahman, a 42-year-old waiter at a restaurant in Jalan Dusun Muda, has taken an unconventional approach to managing customer interactions. Instead of wearing a traditional name tag, Fadil’s badge reads “Maaf Saya OKU” (Sorry I am disabled). While the notion of apologising for one’s disability might seem peculiar, Fadil explains that this simple gesture has significantly improved his work experience.
“Many customers have become more understanding since I started wearing the tag,” Fadil shares. “There are fewer complaints about me these days.” This innovative solution came after years of challenging encounters, including being scolded, mocked, and even physically assaulted by customers due to mistakes in taking orders.
Fadil’s employer, Wan Marnizena Najib, 48, describes him as a hardworking individual who occasionally struggles when overwhelmed. “Initially, he was only tasked with washing dishes, but later he asked to be given the chance to be a waiter,” she explains. Marnizena notes that Fadil’s mood can affect his performance, particularly when dealing with multiple orders simultaneously.
In contrast, Muhammad Fahmi Amran, a 26-year-old waiter with a physical disability, faces a different set of challenges. Standing at just 110cm tall, Fahmi often finds himself the centre of attention, with many customers mistaking him for a child.
Despite initial concerns about employability, Fahmi has found his place in the workforce. “From my first day of work, customers often ask my age, and once I tell them, they are very encouraging,” he says. Fahmi has been working at a restaurant in Kubang Kerian for the past four years, where he feels treated equally and has never felt ashamed of his condition.
These two stories highlight the diverse experiences of individuals with disabilities in the Malaysian workforce. While Fadil’s strategy of openly acknowledging his disability has helped mitigate misunderstandings, Fahmi’s positive attitude and the supportive environment provided by his employers have allowed him to thrive.
Their experiences underscore the importance of workplace inclusivity and the need for greater awareness and understanding of disabilities in customer-facing roles.
