Exclusive Story by WeirdKaya – Proper accreditation to WeirdKaya and consent from the interviewee are required.
Every morning at 6:30am, the familiar sight of a woman in a headscarf walking briskly along the streets near Pasar Borong Selangor appears.
Armed with nothing but a strong back, determination, and a heart full of sincerity, 44-year-old Kak Zah (whose real name is Mahaniza) makes the same journey on foot — a nearly 3km round trip — to offer a humble service not many know exists.
She’s known among regulars as the “pikul-pikul barang” lady — someone who helps shoppers carry their groceries to their cars, or even buys everything on their behalf as a personal shopper.
A job born from hardship and love
Kak Zah has been offering this service for the past two years ever since her husband, who used to work alongside her in sales and marketing, fell ill from a nerve condition that left him unable to move independently.
Since then, she has become his full-time caretaker, helping him bathe, move, and eat while also juggling the responsibility of putting food on the table for her two school-going children.
We used to work together. But when he got sick, he told me, ‘Why not you try helping people at the market while earning something small?’
That advice is what started all of this.”
As she needed to stay close to home, formal jobs weren’t an option.
So Kak Zah walks to the market every day, offering to carry groceries, help pick out the freshest produce, and even bargain for discounts for her clients.
Most of her customers are regular aunties, elderly folks, or busy families nearby.
When asked if taking care of her husband who needs help to move, bathe, and eat, feels like a burden, Kak Zah didn’t even pause.
“No. Never. He’s my husband. I believe marriage is a lifelong commitment, especially during times of hardship.”
No fixed price, only sincere payment
Despite the physical toll, Kak Zah doesn’t put a price on her services.
“Some day i earn RM20. Some day RM50, especially on weekends. But some give less, or even just food. I don’t mind. I let them pay however they feel.
“People already spend so much on groceries so I don’t want to burden them further. If they give me something from the heart, I’m already grateful,” she said.
On good days, Kak Zah earns between RM30 and RM60, which is enough to cover basic expenses and provide for her kids.
But there are days when she earns nothing, especially on slow weekdays.
Still, she keeps going.
Kak Zah still remembers the heaviest load she ever carried — 30 chickens in one go, bought by a customer for a catering order.
“I carried all of it to their car. It was heavy, yes, but I just took it step by step,” she said, smiling at the memory.
Driven by willpower
Without a car or motorcycle, Kak Zah relies entirely on her legs. Rain or shine, she walks tirelessly.
“I always tell myself: if I give up, what happens to my kids, husband, and family? I draw strength from my faith and her children, who are my main source of motivation to keep pushing through each day.
As a Muslim, I believe if I help others, Allah will help me. That’s enough to keep me going.”
‘Use the help to move forward’
While Kak Zah’s thankful for the zakat aid she receives, she still doesn’t believe in relying solely on assistance.
“Getting help isn’t a reason to sit around. We should use it as a stepping stone to do something with our lives.
Even if it’s hard. Even if we feel tired. Just start somewhere. Don’t be ashamed to ask or learn. If I can do this, maybe others can too,” she said firmly.
For Kak Zah, the market is not just a place of business, it’s her lifeline, and her way of holding her family together.
Exclusive Story by WeirdKaya – If you wish to reproduce this story, please ensure that you obtain consent from the interviewee to maintain factual accuracy and avoid the potential spread of misleading information.
If references/information are used from our story, kindly ensure that proper credit is given along with a backlink to WeirdKaya as acknowledgment of the efforts made by our editors in sourcing and conducting interviews.
