Despite having a smaller body compared to an average person, this man can still compete with everyone else in the industry and even outdo them!
Ladies and gentlemen, meet 57-year-old Ikhsan Sirat who currently owns at least five food trucks that collectively generate over RM20,000 per month!
According to NST and Harian Metro, Ikhsan started his journey as a street food vendor around 30 years ago at a night market. He was selling burgers at an affordable price of RM1 and his customers loved it. However, he switched to selling kebab because it is more convenient for him and gives him better profit.
“Physically, I have no mobility issue but selling burgers does require more workers and the big skillet did make it hard for me to move around.
“When I first started my business, I had to compete with five other stalls that sold burgers and they were operated by regular people. I didn’t think less of myself because of my disability.
“I believe that if my food is delicious and my service is good, customers will flock to my stall,” Ikhsan said.
In fact, Ikhsan, who prefers to be called ‘Wak’, sees his small body frame as an advantage as his customers can remember him easily. From one food truck to five, Ikhsan who is assisted by his two wives and five children is now currently earning RM8,000 per day. That’s more than what we make in a month!
“The meat I use is very fresh, and I use 25 spices to produce the ‘Wak Ikhsan Kebab’. I do not have a grounded base of operation, and the food trucks will always be at a university area and other functions.
“For me, disability is not an obstacle. What’s important is interest in the business itself and courage to strive for success. The OKUs need to be brave and take hold of the opportunities in front of them,” Ikhsan said.
This man’s success should be a wake-up call for those able-bodied people who refuse to work hard and only hope for the government’s financial aid. Kipidap, Wak!
Also read: 8 Inspiring Facts of 99 Speedmart’s Disabled Founder Who Made It Against All Odds