Driving express buses is usually seen as a man’s job as it requires a high level of endurance and alertness when driving for long hours.
However, a single mother is out to break stereotypes and has proven that even women of a petite stature are just as capable of driving express buses.
Influenced by family
Speaking to NST, 26-year-old Nurul Ain Nadia Abdullah, who comes from a village in Setiu, Terengganu, said she worked several jobs after completing school, such as at a grocery shop, doing village work and assisting at a keropok lekor shop in her hometown.
When she turned 18, Nurul Ain Nadia got married and gave birth to her first child two years later.
However, the marriage ended in divorce in 2022, months after she bore her second child.
Following the divorce, Nurul Ain Nadia worked as a security guard at night and followed her brothers to drive lorries as an attendant during the day.
This piqued her interest in heavy vehicles, leading her to obtain a Class E licence in 2021.
Working as an express bus driver
In 2023, Nurul Ain Nadia went for a job interview during her search for opportunities as a lorry driver.
“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 all the experience needed for the job, Nurul Ain Nadia joined Konsortium E-Mutiara Bhd in early 2026 as it gave her a more flexible schedule that allowed her to spend more time with her children.
Doing it all for family
Despite her having to be far away from family due to work, Nurul Ain Nadia said she fully utilises her leave to accompany 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.”
When asked why she chose to be an express bus driver, Nurul Ain Nadia explained it was because the job offered her financial stability and security for the future of herself and 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.”
Nurul Ain Nadia also shared that she hopes to start her own business, such as a van rental service or homestay.
She also encouraged other women, particularly single mothers, to not give up but to take the initiative to change their future for the better.
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