Compiled by OON JUN-YANG, C. ARUNO and R. ARAVINTHAN
DESPITE being born without both arms and legs, 19-year-old Nur Damia Irsalina Daeng Malis remains determined to pursue her dream of becoming an interior designer.
She initially faced difficulties gaining entry into institutions of higher learning despite holding a Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Level Two, as the programmes were offered to persons with disabilities who are independent.
Her breakthrough came when the Terengganu Timber Industry Training Centre offered her the opportunity to continue her studies at SKM Level Three, Harian Metro reported.
“I was informed that improvements had been made to the facilities, especially wheelchair ramps, and that doorways had been widened to make it easier for me to access lecture rooms,” she said.
Meanwhile, her mother, Rosnaini Mohamad, 48, expressed hope that her daughter would succeed in realising her ambitions with the full support of her family.
“God willing, I hope Nur Damia is able to chart her own path and succeed in the field she has chosen, even though she was born differently from others,” she said.
> A Chinese family in Kampung Tembok Baru, Marang, Terengganu, continues to uphold the tradition of inviting Malay friends to celebrate Chinese New Year each year, serving food as a gesture of appreciation to visiting guests.
For Lim Chong Swee, 63, although the Chinese community in the area is small, the festive atmosphere remains lively with the presence of Malay friends, Utusan Malaysia reported.
“Since the Chinese community here is small, many of our Malay friends come to help enliven the celebrations,” he said.
“That’s why I ordered nasi dagang, nasi lemak, fried vermicelli, pulut panggang and several other side dishes to serve our guests.”
Lim added that his Malay friends – many of whom are long-time acquaintances and former schoolmates – never miss the opportunity to visit his home during the festive season.
Living with his 90-year-old mother, Tio Kin Oun, and his two unmarried children, Lim said he hopes the Year of the Horse will bring good fortune and well-being to his family.
The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.
