Siblings with muscular dystrophy persevere in fruit trade
TWO siblings can move only their fingers and neck because of muscular dystrophy, but this has not stopped them from earning a living. Mohd Yassin Mohd Packer, 30, and Norfarhana Mohd Packer, 26, from Bukit Dumbar here, have been earning RM1,000 a month from selling fruits for the past 10 years.
Yassin said they developed the genetic disease when they were 8 and it prevented them from finishing school.
He took the Penilaian Menengah Rendah examination before his condition worsened.
“At 19, I volunteered to help in painting a home for children with disabilities for a month before deciding to start a business.
“My sister and I have been running our fruit stall for 10 years with the help of equipment we received from the 1Azam Programme under the Family and Community Development Ministry.
“I dream of having a more comfortable fruit stall equipped with basic facilities, and setting up a special centre to help likeminded friends,” he said.
Norfarhana said they move in electric wheelchairs to the stall, which is located about 200m from their home. They open the stall from morning until evening.
She said the fruits are prepared by their mother, Sarifah Bee Abdul Jabar, 58. The cut fruits are sold for as low as RM2 each.
“Each day we just sit in a wheelchair at the hut. As we cannot raise our hands, customers will pick the fruit that they want to buy themselves.
“Most of them are regulars and are aware of our condition. We can earn up to RM1,000 a month, but it depends on the weather.
“This (fruit stall) is more than enough, from just merely sitting at home, hoping for public kindness. It also goes towards reducing the expenses of my father, who works at a car wash,” she said.
Sarifah Bee said in view of Ramadan, they had temporarily stopped operating the fruit stall and would resume business after Hari Raya Aidilfitri.