JOHOR BARU: Despite losing an arm in a 2019 motorcycle crash, a 32-year-old mechanic here can still repair up to five motorcycles a day using only one hand.
Samsul Aripin Sadip, from Kota Tinggi, said many people are amazed by his ability to fix motorcycles with one hand and often assume he was born that way.
He said the crash occurred in 2019 while he was test-riding a customer’s motorcycle from Sungai Danga to Puteri Harbour, when the machine skidded and slammed into a road divider.
Severe injuries forced doctors at Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) here to amputate his arm to save his life.
“I was told that if I did not undergo the surgery, I faced risks that could affect my brain nerves.
“I believe in Allah’s plan, and I accepted my fate at the time because I was thinking about my future and did not want to burden my parents.
“My parents were also my source of strength. Although they were initially distressed by what happened, I rested for a few months before retraining myself to repair motorcycles using my left hand.
“It was certainly a challenge because it felt awkward working with my left hand after being used to my right, but with continuous practice, my confidence grew,” said Samsul Aripin, who now lives at Flat Sri Lanang in Tebrau.
He said he was grateful to receive job offers from several motorcycle workshops and has been working at a workshop in Jalan Harmonium 23/14, Taman Desa Tebrau here for the past year.
He is able to repair between two and five motorcycles daily, depending on whether the damage involves the engine or only external parts.
“I have had a passion for fixing motorcycles since I was 14, when I was in Form Two, and it allowed me to earn a side income as a teenager.
“No matter the damage, including on high-powered motorcycles, I try my best to fix it without giving up, and if it takes too long, I ask my colleagues for help.
“I work from noon to 11pm, and I am grateful that customers are satisfied with my work.”
Samsul Aripin added that he hopes to deepen his skills in the field and inspire others facing similar adversity.