KUCHING: Despite being visually impaired since the age of seven, Fadillah Untong Abdullah actively dedicates his energy as an instructor, specialising in crafting rattan-based handicrafts.
The 80 year-old fighter from Sungai Tapang shared that he acquired his skills while studying at the Princess Elizabeth School for Special Education (SKPK) in Johor Bahru.
“I joined this school around 1954, where I learned extensively about the production of rattan handicrafts.
“I am currently one of the instructors in producing these rattan handicrafts,” he said when met by reporters at the Sarawak Association for the Blind (SSB) Kuching Branch’s White Cane Day event at Mydin Hypermarket Vista Tunku, Petra Jaya here yesterday (October 7).
Elaborating on the challenges of crafting these items, Fadillah said it becomes easier once the correct steps are understood.
“It’s not difficult to teach this craft, and I teach not only the visually impaired but also those who are literate.
“Therefore, I am still active in making handicrafts. When I’m not teaching, I create them at home in my free time,” he added.
Sharing his background, Fadillah mentioned that he lost his vision at the tender age of seven due to health complications.
“I was then taken in by the social welfare department in 1953 when I was 11, where I received training from the Salvation Army.
“After that, I served the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) for around 32 years before retiring. After retirement, I was asked to become a teacher around 2017,” he recalled.
Fadillah, an Iban convert and a father of four, stressed the importance of not letting visual impairment hinder people from living their life to the fullest.
“People who have lost their eyesight or are visually impaired should not sit and mourn their fate. I always tell those facing similar challenges not to think that we can’t do anything.
“I am married and during my free time, I assist my wife with household chores such as cooking, taking care of our grandchildren, washing clothes and cleaning the backyard. Besides, I also provide massage services every weekend,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fadillah’s granddaughter, Nur Nawwarah Masreena Noriadi described her grandfather as a remarkably independent and kind-hearted person.
“Despite his condition, he contributes to the household chores. The only challenge arises when he is in an unfamiliar place and doesn’t know his surroundings,” said the 12-year-old.
