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For her, Deepavali has always been a busy time. Although she works full-time at a semiconductor factory, the income earned from selling murukku and other snacks is important to her.
“In the one month leading up to Deepavali, I can earn at least six times my monthly salary,” she shared.
Apart from murukku, she sells other Indian treats such as ghee balls and “oma podi”. The enterprising 47-year-old also earns a side income selling cookies.
Since starting the business almost eight years ago, she and her husband, S Thiagarajah Subramaniam, 48, have saved enough to buy their double-storey terrace house. They have four children, aged between 11 and 23, who are all still studying.
Up until last year, the couple had been saving to relocate to their hometown of Port Dickson. “I wanted to buy a murukku machine to increase my production,” Renukavathy said. “My husband and I were also planning to open a minimart there.”
Alas, tragedy struck in December when their house became one of the many that were badly affected by the flood that devastated Taman Sri Muda.
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“At the time, I was at home with my two younger children. My husband was out, and our two older kids were in Port Dickson. I can still remember seeing a gush of water enter from the back of my house.”
Over the next couple of hours, the water rose rapidly. Renukavathy’s anxiety was compounded by the fact that she couldn’t reach her husband.
Forced to evacuate their home, she and her children stayed at a community hall for three days. She eventually made it to her mother-in-law’s house in Kota Kemuning – and was relieved to discover that her husband, too, had found his way there.
“I’d thought I wouldn’t see him again,” she said.
As it turns out, Thiagarajah had been stranded in another part of Taman Sri Muda when the flood hit, and had sought shelter at a nearby restaurant.
It was a joyful reunion for the family – but this was short-lived when they returned to their house after the waters receded, and were floored by the aftermath: damaged furniture, ripped tiles, and mud deposited throughout their beloved home.
Rebuilding
Renukavathy told FMT that many people had advised them to move. “But we decided to stay because this is our home,” she stated.
So, she and her husband used their savings, spending approximately RM60,000 on repairs and new furniture. They also carried out some renovations for added safety in the event of another flood.
“We learnt a valuable lesson about saving money. I am thankful we had savings to fall back on, and did not have to go into debt,” she said.
Among the damaged items was her oven, which she has not yet been able to replace. This has affected her income as she has not been able to sell cookies, which would previously have earned her at least RM5,000 a month.
“But it’s okay, because I’m the type of person who looks for other opportunities if one door shuts,” Renukavathy added modestly.
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To make up for the shortfall, she sold fresh mutton instead and on Deepavali eve, the couple sold flower garlands.
Her tenacity was further proven when a bad fall in July severely injured her toe. Undeterred, she kept the business going despite being unable to stand for long periods.
“With everything that has happened, my husband advised me to take a break. But I said no because, as long as I can work, I will continue to rebuild our savings,” she said.
Today, the family will celebrate Deepavali with oil baths and head to the temple before driving to Port Dickson.
“We’ve bought new clothes and decorated our home. On the eve, we plan to visit my mother-in-law and perform prayers for my late father-in-law,” Renukavathy shared.
“I still feel excited about Deepavali. Although there is fear about another flood happening, all we can do is take safety measures, and pray that God will be with us.”
To order your fill of murukku, cookies, or other treats after Deepavali, contact Renukavathy at 017-8416344.
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