KOTA BARU: Like many waiters in the country, Che Mohd Fadil Che Abdul Rahman wears a name tag, except it does not bear his name.
Instead, the tag reads, "Maaf Saya OKU" (Sorry I am disabled).
While it would seem strange that someone would have to apologise for being disabled, Fadil says it has helped him in his work.
In the eight years that he has worked as a waiter at a restaurant in Jalan Dusun Muda here, Fadil has been scolded and mocked by customers for making mistakes when taking orders.
On one occasion, the 42-year-old was even assaulted by a customer.
This is why Fadil began wearing the "Maaf Saya OKU" tag.
"Many customers have been more understanding since I started wearing the tag, there are fewer complaints about me these days," he said.
Before working at the restaurant, Fadil worked as a security guard at a logistics company until his contract expired.
His employer, Wan Marnizena Najib, 48, said Fadil is hardworking but struggles when he is overwhelmed.
"Initially, he was only tasked with washing dishes, but later he asked to be given the chance to be a waiter."
She said when he is overwhelmed, he gets moody, and this leads to mistakes when taking orders from customers.
It is a different story for another waiter, Muhammad Fahmi Amran, 26, who has a physical disability.
Fahmi, who is only 110cm tall, is often the centre of attention as many customers assume he is a child.
The youngest of five siblings, Fahmi said he always wondered if anyone would employ him once he was old enough to work.
"From my first day of work, customers often ask my age and once I tell them, they are very encouraging," said Fahmi who has been working at a restaurant in Kubang Kerian here for the past 4 years.
"I've never felt ashamed and I am treated equally at work."