Born without hands, Yogeswaran overcomes rejection to build an independent life as a receptionist in Klang, finding purpose and support.
KUALA LUMPUR: Answering phone calls, welcoming visitors and handling inquiries at a shipping company in Klang are part of the daily routine of R. Yogeswaran, a receptionist born without hands who has overcome years of hardship and rejection to build an independent life.
For the 34-year-old from Shah Alam, securing employment restored his confidence and gave him a renewed sense of purpose after years of struggling to find work due to his disability.
Born with a congenital upper limb deficiency, the third of four siblings has never allowed his condition to define his future. He has been working at Maritime Network Sdn Bhd since 2019, following an opportunity by the company’s chief executive officer Datuk Seri R. Jeyenderan.
Yogeswaran told Bernama that although he did not complete his formal education due to his condition, his parents ensured he attended tuition classes, enabling him to communicate and write effectively.
For years, he endured disappointment as repeated job applications and interviews ended in rejection, with many employers unwilling to look beyond his disability despite his determination to work and build a better future.
The repeated setbacks gradually took a toll on his confidence and left him close to giving up.
A chance meeting with Jeyenderan at an event marked a turning point in his life. A brief conversation led to an invitation to the company’s office for further discussion, an opportunity he approached cautiously after years of disappointment.
“I had been turned away so many times that I did not want to expect too much anymore. But deep inside, I still hoped someone would believe in me and give me a chance to prove myself,” he said.
That hope became reality when he was offered a position with a starting salary of RM1,500, along with a RM500 transport allowance to cover his daily taxi fare from Shah Alam to Klang.
Yogeswaran said the supportive and inclusive work environment helped him regain his confidence and sense of purpose.
Today, he takes pride in being able to support himself and contribute to his family through his own effort.
“Coming to work every day means a lot to me because I know I am contributing just like everyone else. I can now support myself, help my family and live independently. Something I once thought impossible has become a reality. I have even managed to buy a double-storey house in Setia Alam,” he said.
Meanwhile, S. Kuhan, 26, who works in operations, has been with the company for seven years despite physical disabilities affecting the movement of his right hand and leg.
He manages files and documents to ensure records are properly organised and said the support provided by the company has helped him grow both personally and professionally.
Jeyenderan said many persons with disabilities (PwD) continue to face difficulties in securing employment due to misconceptions, stereotypes and limited workplace accessibility.
“Persons with disabilities are equally capable of contributing when given the opportunity and proper support,” he said, adding that inclusive workplaces help build a more compassionate and understanding society.
“When society opens more doors for persons with disabilities, it not only changes lives, but helps build a more inclusive world for all,” he said.
