LANGKAWI: Four young women who work as ship welders here have shown true resilience when facing dangers of their job which is often described as a man's work.
Nurul Izzah Ahmad Daud, 23, Nur Ikhmal Diniah Norsuaidi, 19, Nur Adifa Farain Razali, 22, and Nurmira Allya Hamiza, 21, are key players at KN Aluminium & Engineering Sdn Bhd in Langkawi.
Their company, a shipbuilding firm based in Kampung Bukit Malut, made history by completing two 38m-long Sea Eagle patrol vessels for the Nigerian navy within 24 months.
The four young women are among 85 local workers, all skilled and qualified in welding, who have helped secure the company's reputation for building world-class defence assets.
For Nurul Izzah, welding in confined spaces, enduring intense heat, and working on scaffolding over 10m high is no simple feat with danger a constant companion.
"Working on a shipyard platform might seem routine, but welding from high scaffolding brings a different level of risk. You must be ready for anything.
"Knowledge, preparation, expertise, and teamwork are essential, bravery alone isn't enough," said Nurul Izzah, who has been with KN Aluminium & Engineering for over a year.
Echoing her colleague, Nurmira Allya said while she's used to the challenging work, caution is still crucial as a single misstep could lead to a fall or burns.
"I gained my welding skills while studying at a GiatMARA in Seremban, Negri Sembilan, and this shipbuilding firm is my first job. Alhamdulillah, I enjoy my work here," she said.
Nur Ikhmal said welding is no longer just a man's job, with more women receiving training and gaining the skills needed for the trade.
"My female colleagues and I receive equal treatment as our male counterparts, including in pay, which reflects our skills, attention to detail, and work quality," she said about a typical experience in an eight-hour work day.
Nur Adifa Farain shared that it took her three months to adapt to the shipyard environment.
"Even with full safety gear, including a helmet, there's still a sense of fear when welding on the walls and floors of ships at high altitudes," she added.
The four ladies were interviewed during the Completion Ceremony of the 38m Sea Eagle Patrol Vessels for the Nigerian navy at Northern Shipyard, Kampung Malut, yesterday.
The Sea Eagle vessels, equipped with two German-made engines and a top speed of 29 knots, can process five tonnes of fresh water daily.
Each vessel has a fuel tank capacity of 42,980 liters of diesel and can sail non-stop for five days.
The two fully completed offshore patrol vessels are expected to be handed over to the Nigerian navy next month.