Disabled man rises to become agricultural entrepreneur

Shahrul Nizam Zakaria, 44, has transformed his life from one of despair following a debilitating 2003 motorcycle accident to becoming a thriving agricultural entrepreneur. The accident left him paralyzed and reliant on a wheelchair, leading to a two-year period of recovery where he struggled with shame and a loss of self-confidence.

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However, in the end, I had to accept the reality from modern medicine that I could not walk again and was disabled (OKU).

He underwent extensive modern and traditional treatments, but medical professionals confirmed he would never walk again. The turning point came with support from the Sultan Azlan Shah Rehabilitation Association, which provided crucial emotional backing and physical therapy, helping him reintegrate into society. Financial assistance from the Social Security Organization (Perkeso), amounting to approximately RM1,300 per month, provided a stable foundation for his recovery and new venture.

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But I continued to fight for recovery, and the Sultan Azlan Shah Rehabilitation Association under Yayasan Ipoh played a role in providing emotional support by providing physical therapy and boosting my spirit to return to society.

Initially, Zakaria attempted catfish farming but faced challenges. Undeterred, he shifted his focus to agriculture, cultivating rock melons and various vegetables like cucumbers, long beans, and watermelons on a 2.42-hectare plot. He received a RM15,000 grant for equipment from the Perak Department of Agriculture, significantly boosting his confidence and commitment to farming. Support from Fama for marketing and local authorities for infrastructure has further enabled his success, aligning with the state's 'Perak Sejahtera 2030' plan to enhance food security and agricultural output.

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Initially, I farmed catfish in 10 ponds in the village but was unsuccessful due to certain problems.