For many people, losing a limb would be a life-changing setback. But for sisters Nik Haziera Saffiya Nik Husmadi, 18, and Nik Haznita Saffiya, 20, it marked the beginning of an inspiring journey of resilience, determination and family sacrifice. The two sisters from Kampung Seri Lebak, Temerloh have captured the hearts of Malaysians after returning to run their family’s cendol business, despite both losing their right legs in a devastating road accident.
Instead of letting tragedy define their future, the sisters chose to rebuild their lives by serving cendol once again, while helping ease the financial burden on their parents and supporting their family’s livelihood, one bowl of cendol at a time.
How A Family Cendol Business Helped Them Start Again
On 7 February 2024, the motorcycle carrying the sisters was involved in a collision with a lorry, leaving both with severe injuries that ultimately required the amputation of their right legs.
Nik Haznita’s leg had to be amputated immediately after the accident due to the seriousness of her injuries.
Nik Haziera initially underwent months of treatment in an attempt to save her leg.
“Doctors tried to save my leg by inserting a metal rod for almost a year. However, after the treatment, they informed me that my leg could no longer be saved.”
Although accepting the reality was difficult, she eventually made peace with the decision.
“I thought that if my leg was amputated, I might be able to move around and live a better life compared to being bedridden.”
Before the accident, the sisters regularly helped their elder brother operate the family’s cendol stall. After months of recovery, they decided to return because they could not bear to watch their father continue carrying the family’s financial responsibilities alone.
The family of six depends heavily on their father’s income, and the sisters wanted to contribute despite their disabilities.
“We feel sorry seeing our father continue working hard to support our family. With the current economic situation, his burden has become even heavier. My sister and I agreed to get back up and continue selling cendol to help our father and mother.”
Running Their Cendol Stall Despite Daily Challenges
Today, the sisters continue running their cendol stall while adapting to life as persons with disabilities.
Standing for long hours remains physically exhausting, and simple tasks that once came naturally have become daily challenges.
Nik Haziera, who is also a national junior para-fencing athlete, revealed that she continues to suffer from complications beyond losing her leg.
“My right hand was almost amputated because too much tissue and nerves were damaged. It is still painful and weak and sometimes becomes numb.”
Because of the injury, she relies on her sister whenever heavier work is required.
“That is why I need my sister’s help when we prepare the ingredients and to carry out other tasks that require physical strength.”
The sisters also explained that prosthetic legs remain uncomfortable for long periods, making it easier to use crutches or hop short distances whenever they need to move quickly around the cendol stall.
One of their biggest challenges comes when customers request drive-through service, as they are unable to walk orders to waiting vehicles as quickly as before.
Viral Story Wins Hearts Across Malaysia
Fortunately, the public’s response has been overwhelmingly positive.
Many customers willingly leave their vehicles to collect their cendol after discovering the sisters’ condition, while countless others have shown support through TikTok and social media.
Their inspiring story recently went viral, bringing a surge of customers to the cendol business and giving the family renewed hope.
Although a small number of people accused them of seeking sympathy, the sisters choose to focus on the encouragement they receive from supporters instead.
They also hope to expand the cendol business in the future by adding tables for customers who wish to dine in.
“Don’t Give Up”
Despite everything they have endured, the sisters remain optimistic about life.
Rather than dwelling on what they have lost, they hope others facing hardships will continue searching for new opportunities.
“If there is something we cannot do, try to find another way. Do not dwell too much on what has happened because it will only make us sad.”
Their journey proves that resilience is not about avoiding hardship, but finding the strength to keep moving forward.
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