JOHOR BARU: Despite his learning disabilities, 17-year-old Muhammad Zufar Azman has been thriving as he runs a drink stall after school each day.
“I really enjoy the process of making the drinks. And it is fun to meet and talk to people,” he said.
The makeshift stall, which sells watermelon juice, has a “pay as you like” concept since Muhammad Zufar has a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) which means he has difficulties in reading and counting money.
Located outside his home in Taman Air Biru, Pasir Gudang, the stall started in February and has gained attention on social media.
“I feel like a celebrity. I’m happy, but I’m shy when people ask to take pictures with me,” said the youngest of five siblings.
Muhammad Zufar recounted that a restaurant cashier once recognised him when his family dined at the eatery and allowed them to pay whatever amount they wanted for their meal, mirroring his own “pay as you like” concept.
Customers at Muhammad Zufar’s stall would pay any amount they wished. He has received payment that ranged from a few sen to “RM300 for three cups of juice”.
He said that he sells more than 100 cups of watermelon juice on most days.
Sometimes, he could sell as many as 400 cups during peak periods.
Every Friday, his family gives out free 100 cups of the juice at the stall, which has been profitable.
“Sometimes, it is tiring because there are many customers and I have a lot of work to do. But I can rest when there are not many people,” said Muhammad Zufar, who studies at SMK Pasir Gudang 2 under a Special Education Integrated Programme.
He attends classes in the morning. The stall opens from 3pm to 7pm on weekdays and from noon to 7pm on weekends.
His brother Muhammad Rifai Azman, 29, said their family decided to start the stall so that his sibling could learn about being independent.
The “pay as you like” concept was introduced so that Muhammad Zufar focus on serving customers without the stress of having to calculate the prices, he said.
“My brother has always wanted to run his own business despite his disorder.
“He previously helped at our family’s drinks stall at Ramadan bazaars. He also enjoyed preparing drinks during cooking classes at school,” he said.
Their father is a businessman while their mother is a housewife.
Besides helping Muhammad Zufar become more independent, Muhammad Rifai said the family also hopes to create job opportunities for others.
“We have employed a single mother of four, who works as a kindergarten teacher in the morning, to assist at the shop in the evenings.
“His school is also exploring opportunities for other special education students to undergo practical business training at our shop,” he said.
