BY LILIANA SHERYN
KUCHING: Living with a disability is challenging, especially for individuals who are legally blind. They encounter numerous limitations in their daily lives, which can make it difficult to work and integrate into society.
As you enter Emart Batu Kawa through the back, you will immediately notice a massage centre on your right.
Fringo Blind Health Care was established in the year 2016. This place was established specifically for the visually impaired to seek opportunities in the field of massage therapy.
All of the staff here are visually impaired except for their cashier who handles payment.
Lutin Dungau, 45, the supervisor of the centre, spoke to New Sarawak Tribune on behalf of the owner.
“The owner of this place has sufficient training and certification in massage therapy, and has even taught in the field and he established this place for the visually impaired to seek opportunities,” he said.
The owner recruits all of his staff through two methods, through acquaintances or through his students who can recommend visually impaired individuals for work here.
The second method is by contacting the central management of the visually impaired, which is the Sarawak Society for the Blind (SSB), located on Ong Tiang Swee Road, here.
“We have a total of eight staff here, consisting of two women and six men. Each staff member did not receive training from the owner, but we received training from government centres or NGOs. The training takes one year to complete at each centre to qualify us for a valid certificate in massage therapy,” Lutin said.
Their clients usually make appointments or are walk-ins. But they always advise customers to make appointments if they do not want to ‘clash’ with other walk-in customers, and so that they can prepare earlier for their appointment.
“I have been working here since this place was established in 2016 and have now been appointed as a supervisor to manage this place. I was the first person recruited by the owner of this place,” he said.
“Before this, I underwent training in the peninsula and worked in Penang for eight years at another massage therapy place. I have always been interested in working in the field of massage therapy because I am aware that employment opportunities for the visually impaired are very limited,” he added.
“After completing my schooling, I immediately got involved in the massage therapy field and worked to obtain a certificate so that I could work in the industry today, even as a visually impaired individual.
“I wanted to prove that we too have talents like everyone else. So, I am very grateful that a place like Fringo was established for people like us,” he said.
Lutin also hoped the public who know about their place will come and support them through the massage packages they offer.
Mohamad Zahier, 26, who has been working there since 2018 said he found the place through his own efforts and search.
“Since school days, I have learned the basics of massage therapy. I came to work here with only a basic knowledge of massage therapy,” he said.
“My supervisor, Lutin, played a pivotal role in honing my skills and teaching me more about the field. Unlike other employees, I did not receive official training from specific centres before joining this place,” he added.
Nonetheless, Zahier now possesses a valid certificate in massage therapy and is currently awaiting the completion of the process. The training was conducted under the SSB.
“So far, in my opinion, I still feel weak in foot reflexology. Besides earning money, I personally feel bliss when I massage my clients and they are satisfied with my service,” said Zahier.
Fringo Blind Health Care customers can be divided into two groups: those who come to relax and those who bring their personal problems, such as soreness in their bodies.
“It is particularly rewarding when we can alleviate their pain and improve their well-being. This sense of fulfillment motivates us to strive for excellence every day,” Zahier added.
“My wife and I are both visually impaired massage therapists. I hope that in the future, both of us can open our own massage centre specifically for people like us,” said Zahier.
Another staff, Frankie 23, has the same experience as Zahier in terms of searching for the work on his own.
“I started working here since last year. I came to work here through my friends who work here. Similar to my colleagues, I acquired my massage therapy skills through SSB training,” he said.
Initially, Frankie only worked part-time by playing musical instruments because it is his passion. He would perform with his friends, busking outside the shop. But eventually, his friends persuaded him to try massage therapy.
“I tried to involve myself in this field and it turned out that I also have a talent for it,” Frankie said.
Despite the rewarding experience of working in this field, encountering customers who express dissatisfaction behind their backs rather than communicating it directly during the massage can be disheartening.
Frankie mentioned that some of his customers would inform the cashier instead of addressing the issue with him, which can leave him feeling frustrated and less confident in his abilities.
I started working here since 2018. My overall talent and massage technique were acquired through learning from colleagues and employers.
Frinco not only employs male massage therapists but also recruits female therapists to cater to their female clientele.
According to Nur Ain, a 23-year-old employee at Fringo, she has been working there since 2018. Nur is married to Zahier.
Initially, SSB did not have a dormitory for women, so it was impossible for Nur to travel back and forth from home every day for training. Nur decided to learn from her colleagues only.
“Fortunately, most of my customers are regular customers who like my massage. My interest in this massage field started since I was young. I still remember that I used to massage my school teachers and they praised my talent in massage and encouraged me to continue learning in this field,” she said.
“Many customers also like and frequently make appointments to be massaged by me. In a day, I can massage up to four to five people,” she added.
Fringo Blind Health Care offers a range of services, including foot reflexology, head and shoulder massages, and full body massages all at affordable fees.
They welcome everyone to experience their services and support their growth as a business. You can visit them at Emart Batu Kawa or schedule an appointment by contacting Lutin at 0113 – 1800 688.
