Meet The 57-Year-Old Malaysian Mum Who Drives A 10-Wheel Trailer To Support Her Kids
The word 'badass' would be an understatement.
By Sadho Ram
Rosalekka, who was a former factory worker for 18 years, now drives a 10-wheel trailer, transporting containers from Penang port
She makes 150 trips a month. She picks up containers from ships from the Penang Port and delivers them to the depot for repairs.
According to Rosalekka, being a trailer driver is not as difficult as it seems.
In contrast, it was her job as a factory worker that she considered to be too demanding.
"Last time, work was more difficult because it was always stressful, especially when my employer got angry, but now driving a trailer is easier and I can earn a relatively high income," she said.
And she does this while effortlessly rocking baju kurung.
How much does she earn?
While Rosalekka does not receive standard basic pay due to the unconventional nature of her job, it has allowed her to be her own boss with flexible working hours.
As per reports in 2017, she makes RM7,000 a month plus food allowance, commissions, and bonuses. She shared that her flexible work hours allow her to earn more by doing more trips.
Through her work as a trailer driver and what she shares on her social media, Rosalekka hopes to get the younger generation to be self-reliant and at the same time, dispel any negative perception towards such jobs by the public
She hopes to inspire the younger generation to not be dependent on their parents.
"Many graduates choose to remain unemployed, while there are many vacant positions, including as lorry drivers. Give it a try, and do not keep relying on your parents' money," she advises.
Admitting that being a female driver in an industry dominated by men there are times when she's hassled, she adds that she doesn't let it bother her
While recounting a past incident, she said that once her truck was stopped by a group of drunk men in the middle of the road. They verbally assaulted her. However, she said that she was fortunate as a passerby came to her aid and chased the men away.
And while she acknowledges the risks, she loves her job and praises her employer as "the best in the world". In fact, she even joked that her boss now only wants women as he finds them to be more hardworking.
