Malaysian Single-Mom Truckers Make Local Headlines

In an industry long dominated by men, 39-year-old Irzunika Idris from Batu Gajah has been making a living as a trailer driver for the past five years, ever since becoming a single mother of three.

When asked why she chose such a demanding and unconventional path, Irzunika shared that she genuinely enjoys the work and most importantly, she needs to support her children. Her passion for driving began early, inspired by her late father who was also a lorry driver. Watching him work sparked a lifelong ambition to follow in his footsteps, even though she knew it wouldn’t be an easy road.

"I also enjoy doing challenging things, so this job really suits me. At first, my mother was worried when I told her I wanted to drive lorries and even asked why I was doing a man's job.

"But I reassured her, she's now okay with it because she can see that I'm serious," Irzunika told Harian Metro, adding that the first three months were tough but she eventually got used to it.

As a trailer driver, she spends most of her time on the road and is often away from her children.

“Sometimes I’m only home for an hour or two, but my kids understand, and my mum helps out,” she shared.

Just as inspiring is Marlia Ramli, a 40-year-old single mom who began her journey as a truck driver six years ago. After her divorce in 2019, she took on the job to support her family, fully aware of the challenges it would bring.

“I decided to take a chance in the trucking field. I already had a GDL licence from helping my father. I upgraded it. Eventually I ended up driving a 40ft lorry,” she says.