Two visually impaired men in Kuala Lumpur have launched a small business venture aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods for themselves and others with similar disabilities. Foo Yi Xeng, 25, and Sky Soong Kok Yaw, 44, both partially sighted, began operating beverage stalls last month in Brickfields and Taman Midah, Cheras, respectively, selling affordable drinks such as soya bean, lemonade, fruit juices, and traditional cendol.
Their initiative, known as Blind Brew, was made possible through a funding grant of approximately RM5,000 provided by the local non-governmental organisation Persatuan Amal Indah (PAI), which also facilitates supply deliveries and other operational support. Foo and Soong face operational challenges inherent to their limited vision, including slower preparation times and dependence on family and volunteers during setup, but remain committed to overcoming these obstacles.
“Sometimes we have to do things slowly because we have limited eyesight. Business fluctuates, and when sales are low, it becomes difficult,” Soong said, highlighting the hardships of running a small food stall under challenging conditions. Previously a massage therapist, he views this new venture as both a personal livelihood and an opportunity to offer employment to others with visual impairments.
PAI volunteer Catherine Chew acknowledged the early learning curve for the entrepreneurs but expressed optimism about expansion plans. The NGO aims to establish another Blind Brew location in Cheras and hire a new visually impaired individual to broaden the initiative’s reach and impact.
The project also strives to address societal misconceptions about the capabilities of people with disabilities. Foo, who received vocational training at the Malaysian Association of the Blind’s Gurney Training Centre (GTC) in Brickfields, emphasized the need for opportunities. “We are adaptable and have undergone training to improve our skills. The main issue is that we are not given the chance to prove ourselves,” he said.
Malaysia’s Department of Statistics reported that in 2022, approximately 674,548 persons with disabilities were registered nationwide, representing around 2% of the population. Of these, 61,112 individuals are visually impaired, according to the Department of Social Welfare as of July 2024. Despite this significant population, many face barriers to employment, including employer concerns about productivity and the costs of accommodating disabilities.
A 2025 study by the Penang Institute highlighted the importance of creating greater employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, recommending sector-specific hiring targets and improving employer readiness to foster inclusive workplaces.
At the GTC, visually impaired trainees receive education and hands-on training in various fields such as office management, computer operations, massage therapy, piano tuning, and contact centre work. The centre accommodates up to 80 trainees aged 18 and above, requiring a minimum of Form Three education. In 2024, 29 trainees graduated from its programs.
Datuk George Thomas, chief executive officer of the Malaysian Association of the Blind, stressed the broader societal benefits of meaningful employment for the visually impaired. “Employment enables individuals to support themselves, reduces dependence on family, and builds confidence. With accessible and inclusive workplaces, they can perform a wide range of roles,” he said.
Thomas added that employment not only provides financial independence but also helps shift perceptions, allowing visually impaired individuals to be seen as active contributors to Malaysia’s economy and society.