For 35-year-old Radin Daniel, running a small snack business is more than just a way to earn money. It is also how he maintains his independence and hopes to one day give back to those in need.

Despite living with cerebral palsy, a lifelong condition that affects movement and muscle coordination, Radin runs his own business selling cookies and kerepek under the brand Daniel Beeskut. His day starts with simple household chores, including making his bed, doing laundry and having breakfast, before he gets to work repacking snacks into plastic containers using his one strong hand.

Although WhatsApp orders occasionally come in, he said they are still few and far between. Every Friday, a friend drives him to Subang Bestari, where he sells his products. He also sets up his stall at car boot sales in Subang Bestari and Petaling Jaya over the weekend.

“I cannot cook. I cannot do what normal people do. I can only sell cookies,” he said.

“But I’m happy to do this because I can meet a lot of customers, and kind people.”

A difficult journey towards independence

Radin, who was previously known as Daniel Cheng before converting to Islam four years ago, said he grew up without knowing his biological parents. He was told that both his parents had died, and that a babysitter had cared for him when he was an infant. However, he does not know who the woman was or how she came to look after him.

At 14, he was sent to a disability centre in Penang, where he learnt how to live independently. After completing Form Five, he returned to Kuala Lumpur, retook his SPM and went on to work in several jobs, including administration, customer service and receptionist roles.

However, his working life was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving him wondering how he could earn a living without a job. He eventually searched online for halal snack suppliers, which led to the start of Daniel Beeskut.

The business has not been easy to manage. Showering alone can take him close to an hour, while preparing his stock for sale sometimes takes more than a day.

Customers sometimes mistake him for a scammer

Beyond the physical challenges of running a business, Radin also has to deal with hurtful reactions from the public. He said some people stare at him because he uses a wheelchair, while others have accused him of being a scammer.

“They call me a scammer sometimes. They ask me, ‘Why did you come out? Why are you so troublesome?’” he shared. Even getting around by public transport can be difficult, as some drivers have refused to take him because he uses a wheelchair.

“But I’m a wheelchair user. I’m human, right?” he said.

Despite these experiences, Radin continues to show up at weekend markets and approach potential customers himself. He said some visitors look at him before walking away, so he has learnt to take the initiative by going around and asking people if they would like to buy his snacks.

His earnings, however, remain insufficient to cover his monthly expenses, even with government assistance.

Dreams of opening a shop and helping others

Radin receives help from a close friend who drives him to events and assists with setting up his stall. The support means a great deal to him, especially as someone who grew up without a family. He admitted that seeing parents holding their children’s hands can still bring him to tears.

“Until now, when I see people with their father and mother holding their children’s hands, I start to cry,” he said. Still, those feelings have not stopped him from looking towards the future.

Inspired by entrepreneurs who use their success to help others, Radin hopes to open his own shop one day. His goal is not to become rich, but to make his snacks affordable so he can help people who are struggling. He also offers to help customers who wish to buy snacks for donation to orphanages.

When he is not working, Radin enjoys singing and listening to the radio. But his message to others with disabilities remains simple: keep going and do what you can.

“Do not give up in life. Do whatever you can,” he said.

“There’s no free lunch in this world. Everyone also needs to work, including me.”

Those who wish to support Radin can find Daniel Beeskut at Subang Bestari car boot sales on Fridays and Sundays, and at Petaling Jaya car boot sales on Saturdays.

Follow Wah Piang for more