For more than four months, Fadhullah Fiziria Shah Shahnun Azli, better known as Fizi, had been living inside his Proton Wira. Now, the 25-year-old Malaysian finally has a place to call home, thanks to a couple who offered him their vacant apartment for free.
From business struggles to sleeping in a car
Fizi, an engineering foundation graduate, moved from Perak to Kuala Lumpur hoping to start over after his perfume business suffered a downturn.
But as his income declined, he struggled to pay his rent, utility bills and existing debts. With no other option, he left his rented home in March and turned his car into his shelter.
To survive, Fizi showered at mosques and petrol stations, while spending his days at mamak restaurants and shopping mall food courts. He earned money through affiliate marketing while saving up to restart his business.
“I’m at my lowest point, but I will get back up”
Fizi admitted there were times when he questioned how he ended up in that situation.
However, he viewed it as part of the ups and downs of life and entrepreneurship. He estimated it could take about a year to save enough money to rebuild his business.
“Right now, I’m at my lowest point, but one day I’ll get back on my feet. Even if I have no money, I’d rather face it on my own,” he said.
Couple’s kindness changed everything
After hearing about Fizi’s situation, entrepreneur Imran Khan Sulaiman, 33, and his wife Isdatul Asyirin Ismail reached out with an unexpected offer.
The couple invited Fizi to stay at their apartment in Bangi, rent-free and with no deadline for him to leave. Imran said he was touched by Fizi’s story and wanted to help him get a fresh start.
“If he continues living in his car, I worry it could affect his health, especially his back and mental wellbeing,” he said.
A vacant apartment became a second chance
The couple had bought the apartment in 2022 but left it unused after receiving the keys last year, as they already had another home. After discussing it together, they decided the empty unit could be used to help someone who needed it.
Before Fizi moved in, they also prepared a mattress and basic necessities to help him settle comfortably.
Hope for a new beginning
Imran said he hopes the new living arrangement will allow Fizi to focus better on his work and rebuild his income.
“I hope he finds his footing, secures a stable income, and discovers opportunities that can change his life,” he said.
Meanwhile, Isdatul said she was grateful that they were able to help. She hopes Fizi will continue pushing forward and never give up.
At just 25 years old, Fizi’s journey is far from over, and thanks to the couple’s kindness, he now has a safe place to continue his journey.
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