[PHOTOS] Man with no arms hoists white flag in desperation

KUALA LUMPUR – While Mohd Nor Abdullah, 29, also known as Dekk’s Mat, has struggled over the past few months, he did not anticipate that the government’s enhanced movement control order (EMCO) would rob him of his livelihood almost completely.

Previously, Dekk’s Mat, who sells dishes at his Nasi Lemak Bujang stall in Cheras, was able to meet his living costs, but the EMCO, which was introduced in parts of the capital here and certain districts in Selangor, has led to a reduction in customers, forcing him to close his business for a while.

But Dekk’s Mat is not your typical entrepreneur: he is also is a person with disabilities (PwD) who has lost both hands.

Despite this, Dekk’s Mat said he has never begged or asked for aid from anyone, preferring to fend for himself by selling nasi lemak.

While gripping a table under his chin, he usually heads down the stairs of his home at 7.30am, ready for his business’ 10.30am opening. When MCO 3.0 began, he had no choice but to find new sites to set up his Nasi Lemak Bujang stall due to the drop in customers.

The implementation of the EMCO has further hampered footfall, giving him little choice but to close shop temporarily.

Despite receiving help from the Welfare Department and Baitulmal, Dekk’s Mat is still struggling to pay his rent and pay other bills.

Which is why he is hoisting the white flag in order to survive.

As a result, he was able to receive some assistance from neighbours as well as from former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Those who wish to reach out to Dekk’s Mat can reach him here.

The Vibes photographer AZIM RAHMAN paid Dekk’s Mat a visit recently at his Cheras home to capture what daily life is like for the enterprising man. – The Vibes, July 4, 2021