Second chance chef: Ex-convict aims to own nasi padang stall to honour late mother

Muhammad Nizam Dardiri manages The People's Nasi Padang stall in Old Airport Road Food Centre, a stall that will become his if he successfully runs it for three years and boosts sales.

The ex-convict initially worked for a delivery company before being offered a cooking job at the stall by Ismail Didh Ibrahim, the founder.

After Mr Nizam's release from prison, they met at Brotherhood, a support group offering guidance to men who have committed domestic violence.

"I am grateful for this opportunity," Mr Nizam said. "Didih has guided me a lot. He also taught me how to put aside my ego and be humble."

Initially nervous about managing the stall, he's now accustomed to its demands, drawing on past experience as a cook in an Italian restaurant and running his late mother's nasi padang business.

Mr Nizam, who is divorced, is temporarily living at the storage space for the nasi padang store in Tai Seng, as he is currently homeless. Though his younger sister, who lives with their father, offered him a place to stay, he declined, not wanting to burden his family.

"I am grateful that they want to help me, but I want to be independent," he explained. "My father and younger sister are happy to see me trying to change, and that is enough for me."

He dreams of owning his own business, buying a house and a vehicle to make visiting his late mother's grave easier. He used to drive the company van to visit her during his delivery job and is determined not to waste this opportunity.

"My late mother and I were very close," he shared. "I regret not being able to show her what I have achieved now."

Mr Didih explained that the program aims to help ex-convicts become business owners, and he hopes to offer similar opportunities to other employees.

Participants train in shop management during the first year. Then, in the second and third years, a portion of the profits is set aside to help them purchase the stall.