Malaysian paraplegic motivates the OKU community with socmed videos

Mohd Amir Ridzuan (centre) uses his platforms to encourage other wheelchair users to join him in marathons (wheelchair category).

Six years ago, Mohd Amir Ridzuan Mohamad Zamri was on his way to university for his final exams when he stopped to help a stranded motorcyclist.

This act of kindness would change his life forever.

A lorry suddenly lost control, hit him, and drove away, leaving Mohd Amir Ridzuan on the side of the road. The impact broke his spine in two places and severed his spinal cord.

Mohd Amir Ridzuan (in red T-shirt) aims to show that being disabled doesn’t limit work, activities, or personal aspirations. Photos: Mohd Amir Ridzuan Mohamad Zamri

“When I regained consciousness in the hospital, I was confused because I couldn’t feel my legs. Then, the doctor said, ‘Mohd Amir Ridzuan, you are paralysed for life’.

“I accepted it wholeheartedly, believing it was a new journey given to me by Allah. Since that day, I have lived with permanent paralysis. That marked the beginning of my new journey, in a wheelchair,” says Mohd Amir Ridzuan, 27, during an interview in Putrajaya.

Living with permanent paralysis after helping someone is hard to fathom, yet Mohd Amir Ridzuan refuses to let his disability dampen his spirit.

Since 2020, the paraplegic has shared stories of his disability on social media to show that even when life doesn’t go as planned, we can still create our own happiness.

“I started uploading videos to share my life as a wheelchair user, highlighting persons with disabilities’ (OKU) challenges and daily activities. Over time, my content evolved, inspiring others to overcome limitations. Many followers shared how my videos motivated them, and families of OKUs expressed gratitude for the awareness it brought.

From practical tips to personal stories, Mohd Amir Ridzuan empowers wheelchair users to break through limits and seize opportunities.

“Some parents now feel hopeful that their child can still lead a meaningful life despite using a wheelchair,” he shares.

The friendly man, who runs a business in online marketing, goes by the handle _amirchau on TikTok and Instagram.

His lively videos feature educational content, practical tips and entertaining segments tailored for the disabled community, especially those in wheelchairs.

It includes how wheelchair users can use OKU cards to buy discounted cinema tickets, drive a car (modified for people with special needs), and use a special wheel cover to protect their wheels when entering a mosque.

Recently, he uploaded videos of his umrah trip to Mecca, inspiring other wheelchair users to travel and not let their disability hold them back.

“There’s a common misconception that people with disabilities are weak, dependent, or excluded from society. I find this unfair. I have a university degree, can drive, and live independently, just like anyone else. Many other individuals with disabilities share similar abilities.

“Through my videos, I aim to show that being disabled doesn’t limit work, activities or personal aspirations. I want people to see us not as objects of pity, but as capable, determined individuals with potential,” said Mohd Amir Ridzuan, who holds a degree in business administration from a private university in Selangor.

He also uses social media to encourage other wheelchair users to join him in marathons (wheelchair category) like the 5km Boomrun 2024 in Putrajaya, Challo Midnight Run in Kuala Lumpur last November, and Golden Half Paddy Marathon in January.

“Joining these marathons has been meaningful experiences for both me and the disabled community. Videos documenting my experience went viral, with many expressing support not just for me as an OKU, but for my determination to overcome challenges. It had a big impact, showing that success is possible if we keep striving.”

Spirit of positivism

Mohd Amir Ridzuan was inspired to start his social media pages after he and his mother, teacher Norhayati Abd Khadir, 51, struggled to find information on living as an OKU. Realising the lack of local resources, he decided to share his experiences, turning daily snippets of his experiences into opportunities to educate and inspire others.

Mohd Amir Ridzuan’s mother Norhayati is his pillar of strength.

His efforts to upload positive content have paid off, gaining him over 8,500 followers and close to 176,000 likes on TikTok.

The feedback from his followers motivates him to keep sharing his story.

“Many of the OKU feel inspired when they see me driving, engaging in physical activities, and living with confidence.

“I also receive a lot of feedback from the general public, even those without disabilities. Many say that my videos have changed how they view the disabled community. Some admitted that they previously had little understanding of the daily struggles faced by OKUs, but after watching my content, they became more aware and appreciative of the diversity in society,” explains Mohd Amir Ridzuan, the middle child of three siblings.

Regarding his content, he explains: “Sometimes, a small challenge – like finding a suitable parking spot for my car – can spark an idea. Other times, it’s an unexpected experience, like trying out a new activity such as driving or joining a marathon.

“These moments reflect the real-life struggles of wheelchair users, and I want to share them.”

Mohd Amir Ridzuan adds that his mother, who records his videos, has been his pillar of strength.

“No matter how difficult things become, my mother always remains positive. At first, I couldn’t even drive a car, but she kept motivating me to learn. Now, I can drive and live independently, just like everyone else.

“Because of her support, I learned to do a wheelchair wheelie and even completed a 21km marathon in my wheelchair alongside able-bodied runners,” he says.

Mohd Amir Ridzuan is aiming to participate in the 42km Sekinchan Ultra marathon in November.

His efforts to empower the OKU are commendable but he knows he has a long way to go before he manages to change public perception of the capabilities of the disabled.

“Many people still see OKUs as individuals with limitations. So, when I share videos of myself driving, participating in sports, or living independently, some people react with disbelief or negativity. I’ve had comments like: ‘PWDs should just stay at home’, or ‘You’re just making life harder for others with that wheelchair’.

“Honestly, it does affect me, but this is the reality of social media. To overcome this negativity, I focus on sharing even more content so that over time, more people will understand and awareness will grow.”

Still, the positive thinker believes that challenges are part of the journey.

“As long as I can inspire and change society’s perception, that is already meaningful enough for me. It is my wish that in future, the government will implement more comprehensive and effective strategies to help the OKU community. This includes improving infrastructure for the OKU, providing more job opportunities and incentives for us, and more inclusive education and skill training.

“I also want the general public and employers to recognise our strengths and abilities rather than just focusing on our limitations,” concludes Mohd Amir Ridzuan.