From 16-year-old Dropout to Businessman
A16-year-old boy who worked for $8 wages per week in 1989 is now the proud owner of his own business, Abdul Muktar Motors in Labasa.
Abdul Muktar could still remember how he used to crave a bottle of juice and a 10 cent pack of beans.
“After dropping out from Valebasoga Secondary School at Year 10, my mother requested Zahid Engineering Pte Limited to give me a job,” Mr Muktar said.
“Thanks to the company owner I learned how to do panel beating and welding.”
The youngest of seven siblings of Valebasoga, Labasa, recalled how he used to beg his friends for a sip or two to quench his thirst.
However, he was told off and was forced out.
When it was time to get married he needed more money to cater for the wedding. Hence, he resigned from this company and worked for other small companies in Labasa Town. “During this time I learned how to value my employer’s machines, tools and equipment,” the father of five children said.
“Before I went home, I cleaned the working area which made my bosses very happy and later they increased my pay.”
He said when the coup occurred in 2000 the company he worked for closed down leaving him unemployed.
“Thanks to my brother-in-law’s assistance, I set up my own garage at home,” the 49-year-old said. However, someone complained that his business could not be carried out in a residential area and hence he had to relocate.
In 2014 he moved to Vakamaisuasua where he is still based at working with three staff members.
“Today many young people are paid well compared to my time and age and yet they make up so many excuses to be absent from work,” he said. “I always advise my workers to value the work they do because the income earned helps one to live a life in this world.”
He also highlighted the need to value food.
“Even little bit of juice or food is left, please don’t throw it; make use of it in a good way,” he pleaded. “There are so many people living in poverty wishing to eat something to survive.”
He thanked his mother, Samsul Nisha, who is 80-years-old now for encouraging him to work.