DEFYING THE ODDS, MECHANIC WITHOUT FINGERS BUILDS OWN WORKSHOP

By Shuhaida Mohd Said

ALOR SETAR, March 27 (Bernama) -- Born without fingers, Mohd Rahmat Abd Somat never allowed his condition to define his future - instead, he built a life powered by determination and skill.

The 37-year-old mechanic from Kampung Tanjung Musang, Langgar here, who lost both hands from the wrists, chose early on not to rely on sympathy, but to focus on building his abilities to earn a living and support his family.

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That determination led him to open his own motorcycle workshop in 2008, using savings from his school days, with support from his family and the Social Welfare Department (JKM).

He started small, purchasing used machines and equipment from factories at lower prices.

At his home-based workshop, Rahmat skilfully installs components and tightens screws using his own techniques and specialised tools, proving that precision is not limited by physical ability.

While he handles most repairs himself, he only turns to his brother for more complex tasks.

Today, his services are sought after by motorcyclists from across the country, drawn by the quality of his work and his reputation for precision.

“I work carefully… even without fingers, I can still do the job. Customers come because they trust my work, not out of sympathy,” he said, adding that he is grateful for the strengths Allah has given him.

A diploma graduate from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Rahmat now takes pride in supporting his family independently.

Now a father to a baby girl, he believes life is about continuous effort and having faith in one’s own abilities.

His mother, Sofiah Mohamad, 71, said she is proud of her youngest of five children, describing him as resilient and determined - a son who never allowed his limitations to define his future.

-- BERNAMA