Life was tough for Zuraida Abdul Rahman when she got divorced 15 years ago and had to raise four children largely on her own.
“The biggest challenge was ensuring all my children’s needs were met while managing the family finances alone,” says Zuraida, 53, from Temerloh, Pahang.
There were bills to pay, children to educate and daily household expenses to manage. At the same time, she constantly searched for ways to increase her income.
When the shipping company that she was working for closed, she seized the opportunity to build her own brand using her experience.
Today, she runs a door-to-door courier business. Her work often takes her to remote plantations, farms and construction sites.
Sometimes her vehicle would break down on isolated roads and she would feel afraid. But she persevered.
To supplement her income, she also became a licensed nature guide, embracing activities such as hiking, diving, mountain climbing and jungle exploration.
“It helped me overcome my sadness,” says Zuraida, whose children are now aged between 15 and 30.
Joining KasihnITa strengthened her confidence even further.
“The programme gave me the knowledge, confidence and exposure that are very useful in business,” says Zuraida, who also has two grandchildren.
“It also gave me the motivation to continue believing that single mothers can succeed and build a better future.”
For Vanita Batumalai, life took a sharp turn when her businessman husband passed away shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving her responsible for running the family business.
“I had to learn everything,” says Vanita, 49, from Seremban, Negri Sembilan.
Joining the KasihnITa programme helped her organise both her personal and business finances.
One lesson stood out in particular: the importance of keeping business and personal money separate.
“You sell something and the money goes straight into your personal account. Then what will you use to buy stock tomorrow?” she says.
Through the programme, she learned to allocate a portion of income to herself while ensuring the remainder stayed within the business.
The savings challenge also changed her perspective. After successfully saving RM1,001, she deposited the money into her daughter’s bank account.
Now, she is completing the challenge for the second time.
The programme’s scam awareness training has proven equally valuable.
Today, when suspicious investment offers appear on social media or through unsolicited phone calls, she knows exactly what to do.
“I just ignore them,” she says. “AKPK taught us how to recognise scams and avoid being fooled.”
Her message to other women is simple.
“Women are able to do amazing things, so never ever give up on yourself.”
For C. Ng, a 48-year-old single mother from Ipoh, Perak with three children, the KasihnITa programme reinforced the importance of financial discipline.
Ng, who works as a draughtswoman while also selling products through multi-level marketing platforms, understands how easily expenses can spiral out of control.
Many people, she observes, struggle with debt fuelled by online shopping and buy-now-pay-later schemes.
“It is very easy to overspend,” she says.
KasihnITa taught her to prioritise her spending. Debt repayments come first. Essential household expenses follow. Only then should discretionary spending be considered.
Ng also became an advocate for long-term savings through government schemes such as EPF (Employees Provident Fund) and PTPTN (National Higher Education Fund Corporation).
Even small contributions, she believes, can accumulate into meaningful financial security over time.
Most importantly, she learned the value of controlling unnecessary spending.
“We really need to be careful. Only buy if you have extra money,” she says.
Getting back on their feet
Ng's Ringgit Diary shows the inspirational quotes that she lives by. Photo: C. Ng
Zuraida started her own courier services to support her family. Photo: Zuraida Abdul Rahman
Ng's ringgit diary showing the inspirational quotes that she lives by. Photo: C. Ng
Even when you encounter difficulties and sadness, you have to be strong, pick yourself up and move on, says Zuraida. Photo: Zuraida Abdul Rahman
Vanita (seated, right) with her late husband (seated left) and their children. Photo: Vanita Batumalai
Zuraida (left) started her own business providing courier services to support her children. Photo: Zuraida Abdul Rahman
Vanita says women are able to do amazing things when they set their heart and mind to it. Photo: Vanita Batumalai
Vanita Batumalai took over the business after her husband passed away. Photo: Vanita Batumalai
