Bus-driving mother of four proves her worth in male-dominated job
LUMPUR: Salfarina Muslim likes operating heavy machinery and becoming a male-dominated KL Rapid Bus Captain does not pose a problem to her.
The 41-year-old woman’s choice to work under the scorching sun, let alone as a bus driver, is of no surprise.
A former clerk, Salfarina has been a KL Rapid Bus Captain for eight years and said she will continue her best to provide the best service.
“It is because of my interest (with heavy machinery). It was a bit scary initially but it got better over time, Alhamdulillah.
“Today’s women are also more open and don’t give in easily. If you are serious and committed, it can be done,” she told Bernama after appearing as a guest on Bernama TV’s Apa Khabar Malaysia programme.
Regarding her family’s reaction to her job, Salfarina, who has four children aged between one and 20, said her husband, children and family gave her a lot of encouragement and support.
“At first, my mother was not convinced of my choice, but she became more convinced when I took her to experience a bus ride with me at the wheel.
“Becoming a bus driver has also made me more patient,” she said.
On the challenges as a bus driver, Salfarina said he had been spat at, shouted at, and had bottles thrown at her by passengers.
“Working as a bus captain is fun. I chose this career because of my interest, so I have to be ready for any possibility and risk.
“I just have to be calm always,” she said, adding that she is grateful that during her eight years of service as a bus captain, she has never been discriminated against.