Durian seller Nathan's prickly fight for survival

Free Malaysia Today

3 days ago

Kamalanathan Troung Kodang, or Nathan, is a disabled durian seller running a roadside stall in Subang Jaya. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle)
SUBANG JAYA : Along a bustling road in USJ 9, Subang Jaya, just opposite the Warisan Sambal Opah restaurant, lies a modest fruit stall.
It's nothing more than a plastic table topped with durians and a weighing scale, accompanied by a handwritten sign that reads: 'I'm OKU. Please support me'.
This humble setup reflects the tenacity of its owner, Kamalanathan Troung Kodang, 36, in overcoming life's challenges.
Better known as Nathan, he has faced his fair share of setbacks. Once a crime branch detective, he left the police force in 2016 to care for his ailing mother.
'After my father passed away, my mother developed a health issue. At the time, there was no one to take care of her, so I left my job,' Nathan told FMT Lifestyle.
His mother had suffered a minor stroke that affected her mobility. With his elder brother living in another state and his younger sisters still studying, Nathan stepped up to care for her.
To make ends meet, he worked jobs with flexible timing so he could spend more time at home with her.
Nathan waits patiently for customers at his durian stall. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle)
During the pandemic he worked as a Grab rider. But one day a wound he had on the sole of his left leg became infected. Being a diabetic, it resulted in the amputation of two toes. Shortly after, he lost vision in his left eye.
In 2023, another wound in his right foot led to the amputation of his right toe. And last year, he was told he might have colon cancer. He is still awaiting a confirmed diagnosis.
Earlier this year, he suffered another setback when he collapsed due to low blood pressure, breaking his left leg.
Unable to continue work as a Lalamove rider, he sold petai for a while but switched to durians which give him a better income.
Many in his circumstances would have given up a long time ago – but not Nathan. His goal is to earn enough without depending on others to support himself and his mother, who now also suffers from knee problems.
He wants to save up for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to address her knee issue. 'It will cost RM1,000 per knee, so for both knees, it's around RM2,000.'
Workers from Warisan Sambal Opah restaurant regularly help Nathan set up his stall and open durians for customers. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle)
For Nathan, selling durians comes with its own set of challenges, the weather being one of them – but rain or shine, he shows up for work.
Even securing a spot to set up his stall is tough. Sometimes, he waits for hours in his car until a parking space becomes available.
During FMT Lifestyle's visit, Nathan said he had been waiting nearly four hours – and his first customer only arrived almost an hour later.
Some customers are understanding when they see his condition – they buy without asking him to open the fruits.
But others insist he open the durian and walk away if they aren't satisfied with what they see. It's a loss for Nathan as he cannot sell the durian to others once the fruit's opened. Yet, he treats every customer with respect.
In May, his right finger was amputated after an injury from a durian thorn became infected. Asked if he ever felt like giving up, he said: 'I haven't so far. Although I had to sacrifice a finger, I'm satisfied because it helps my mother.'
Nathan is determined to keep going, one customer and one durian at a time. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle)
Despite his hardships, Nathan has experienced kindness from many around him. He said that the owner of Warisan Sambal Opah instructed his workers to help Nathan during their breaks.
Members of the public who have learnt of his plight have given him groceries and donations, and bought durians to support him.
'Malaysians are very kind and helpful. They are really supportive, and they motivate me to be stronger.'
Determined to keep going, Nathan is already planning ahead. Once the durian season ends, he will launch his dodol business.
'We have to keep going in life. So, I stay positive, trust myself and believe that I can make it.'
Nathan's stall (opposite Warisan Sambal Opah restaurant)
2-1, Jalan USJ 9/5p
Subang Business Centre
47620 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Business hours: 4pm until sold out at night (closed every alternate Monday)
Contact: 017-560 8462
(If you don't see Nathan's stall, give him a call – he's likely nearby, waiting for a spot to free up. Also, best to call ahead in case he has a medical appointment that day.)
For the restaurant's location, click here.