KUALA LUMPUR: Jaiton Yahmin, a 38-year-old single mother of six, has been juggling several jobs to make ends meet since the death of her husband three years ago.
In addition to running her own business, Sahajidah hai-o, she provides a ride service for 15 primary school children between 3pm and 5pm, and sells nipah banana shoots and coconut leaves.
She said that her stable income comes from her daily ride services, while the other two businesses depend on the season or festivities and when there is demand.
Jaiton, who comes from Johor, became a widow after her lorry driver husband died of a heart attack.
"My husband was a lorry driver and had made a quick pit stop at the Shah Alam gas station due to a flat tyre.
"As he waited for help to arrive, he collapsed from a sudden cardiac arrest," said Jaiton, who received benefits from Socso to alleviate her family's burden after her husband's death.
Given her busy schedule, Jaiton admitted that she hardly had quality time with her children except on Fridays and Saturdays, when they would visit her husband's and mother's graves.
She helps her kids with their schoolwork and always encourages them to be independent.
"I teach them how to cook rice, iron clothes, and do other menial chores. I believe God has blessed me with wonderful children. It is my duty to care for them. They are the only reason why I am working very hard."
Jaiton said that they were not big on celebrating Mother's Day, but on rare occasions, her eldest son, Muhammad Hakimi Hatta, 19, and the rest of his siblings would give her a Mother's Day card.
"When we did celebrate, I would go out and buy Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) for the whole family.
Muhammad Hakimi, who is currently studying in Kolej Poly-Tech MARA (KPTM) in Ipoh, does not get to be with his family much.
Worried about his mother having to juggle many jobs, he hopes to finish his studies and help lessen her burden.
"I wish all mothers a Happy Mother's Day and may they be able to brave through the hurdles of motherhood.
"For my mom, let's spend more time together and do visit me in Ipoh whenever you have the time!" said Hakimi.