Three decades steering boats, Mok Ku once cried through a storm

For nearly three decades, Tengku Embat Tengku Ngah, affectionately known as Mok Ku, has navigated the waters of Kenyir Lake as a speedboat operator. Her journey, spanning almost 30 years on Southeast Asia's largest man-made lake, is filled with both cherished memories and challenging moments, including braving storms.

Mok Ku, now 73, vividly remembers the most terrifying incident in 1997. A storm struck while she was carrying tourists, leaving her in tears and praying for their safety. "I was new to being a boat driver then," she recounted. "I could only cry in the boat while praying for the storm to pass quickly. I was taking a family of six to visit the power station, which was open to tourists at the time."

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When the storm hit, I still continued the journey because it was dangerous to stop, given that the lake's currents are not the same as sea waves. Luckily, the storm didn't last long, and I and the tourists arrived at the power station safely.

Despite the tempest, Mok Ku pressed on, recognizing the danger of stopping on the lake. Fortunately, the storm subsided, and she safely delivered her passengers to their destination. She began her career as a speedboat operator after her husband's passing, determined to continue the family business and raise her six young children. Mok Ku emphasized that she never let her gender or age hinder her pursuit of a livelihood, even in a profession traditionally dominated by men. "There weren't many speedboats back then, you could count them on your fingers. The income was quite good because competition wasn't that fierce," she said.

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There weren't many speedboats back then, you could count them on your fingers. The income was quite good because competition wasn't that fierce.