KUALA LUMPUR: Despite her petite frame, Nurul Ain Nadia Abdullah, 26, showed remarkable determination as she continued driving an express bus to support her two young children.
At a young age, Nurul Ain Nadia took on the role of both mother and father, working as a bus driver in a field traditionally dominated by men.
The single mother never imagined that life's trials would take her this far — from a village in Setiu, Terengganu, to travelling across states in search of a livelihood.
The seventh of eight siblings, she had been working since finishing school, taking up various jobs including at a grocery shop, doing village work and assisting at a keropok lekor shop in her hometown.
Nurul Ain Nadia said she married at 18 and welcomed her first child at 20. However, the marriage ended in 2022, just months after the birth of her second child.
"After the divorce, I worked as a security guard at night.
"During the day, I followed my brothers to drive lorries as an attendant. That was when my interest in heavy vehicles began," she said.
She said she took the initiative to obtain a Class E licence in 2021. In 2023, her life took a turning point when she attended an interview seeking opportunities as a lorry driver.
"From there, an opportunity arose when a representative from an express bus company suggested that I enrol in a bus licence course with them.
"After discussing it with my family, I decided to give it a try. I am grateful that I successfully completed the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) bus licence course before starting work in March 2023," she said.
After gaining valuable experience, Nurul Ain Nadia joined Konsortium E-Mutiara Bhd early this year for a more flexible schedule that allowed her to spend more time with her children.
Although she worked far from home, she made full use of her leave to be with her children.
"For me, the most meaningful achievement in life is being able to ensure my children have enough to eat and wear, and that they do not miss out on schooling.
"If they fall ill, I no longer worry excessively about treatment costs. Most importantly, I can still support my parents through my own hard work," she said.
She admitted that she chose to drive buses because the job offered financial stability and security for her future and that of her children.
"I always pray that through this job, I can continue earning a living for my children and my parents.
"I am determined to keep working hard, stay motivated and uphold the good name of myself, my family and the company," she said.
Deep in her heart, Nurul Ain Nadia harboured ambitions of starting her own business one day, such as a van rental service or homestay, having seen the potential in the transport and accommodation sectors.
She also shared a message for women, especially single mothers facing life's challenges, urging them not to give up but to rise and strive to change their future. - NST
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