This gritty grandma packs power

Jul 01, 2023

Super Saparisah: A smiling Kak Zah easily lifting a 14kg gas cylinder on her shoulders as she arranges the items at her backyard in Kampung Datuk Ahmad Said Tambahan II in Ipoh. — Bernama

IPOH: She has 16 grandchildren, yet Saparisah Abdul Rahman is still able to lift, carry and deliver a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-filled cylinder as heavy as 14kg to her customers.

For the past 15 years, the 57-year-old has been handling the deliveries – typically a man’s work.

She doesn’t seem to have any problem hauling the cylinders on her motorcycle, even carrying three on the machine at one time for delivery.

“I have a younger brother who runs the business, and in 2004, I decided to do the same.

“Initially, it was hard and back-breaking because I was not strong enough to even lift a gas cylinder, much less carry it to my customers’ doorsteps.

“Each gas cylinder weighs either 12kg or 14kg. I had backaches initially, but I’ve gotten used to it over time,” she said when met by Bernama at her house in Kampung Datuk Ahmad Said Tambahan II, here.

Saparisah, fondly known as Kak Zah, said she would sometimes carry three gas cylinders at a time on her motorcycle.

Her customers are mostly in Taman Meru and Silibin.

The mother of six said that although it appeared to be more of a man’s job, she persisted to help her family.

She said she would turn a deaf ear to remarks from naysayers.

“There were some who would not believe I could do it and were surprised when I arrived at their doorsteps.

“When I get nasty remarks, I just give them a smile and continue with my work. Nowadays, we cannot be selective when earning a living.

“As long as the job provides me with an honest income, I’ll do it,” said Saparisah.

She said she used to be a potter at a factory in Jalan Kuala Kangsar until the factory closed.

“With nothing to do, I felt bored and wanted to do something to earn a living to help my husband. So, I decided to sell cooking gas by providing a home delivery service.

“Also, I want a business that pays daily, not on a monthly basis, like working in a factory,” she said, adding that she would get orders for up to 40 LPG gas cylinders from her customers in one day.

Of the challenges she faced, she said her store was broken into once.

“Each cylinder costs RM128. It is expensive. Imagine the losses I suffered when they were stolen,” said Saparisah, who started her business with assistance from Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia.