A young couple selling nasi lemak at a roadside stall with their 3-month-old baby unintentionally sparked controversy online, as some netizens accused them of “using the child to gain sympathy.” However, the husband clarified that they simply wanted to document an important milestone in their lives.
28-year-old Mohamad Nazlin posted a photo on TikTok of his wife Noa (20) holding their daughter Nonara at their nasi lemak stall. He said the intention was to capture the memory of their first day as entrepreneurs. The post quickly gained attention—while many offered encouragement, others criticized them for allegedly using their baby to attract pity.
“We don’t have a babysitter, so we have no choice but to bring our daughter along. She’s our motivation to work hard—we could never bear to leave her alone at home,” Nazlin said. Although there were negative comments, the overwhelming support kept them going.
Nazlin, a former freelance photographer, decided to start the business with his wife to ease their financial burden after becoming parents. Encouraged by his mother and supported by a relative who lent them space in front of her shop, the couple began their stall business this month. They wake at 4am daily to prepare food and only operate until 8 or 9am to let their baby rest.
On their first day, business was slow with only two customers, but one customer bought the remaining 18 packs of nasi lemak. Since then, the couple has made it a point to donate their first pack each day, and some customers even purchase meals as charity (infak), helping their business grow gradually.
Although each pack is sold for just RM2, with minimal profit, Nazlin says he is thankful for the income and determined to carry on. “Our family is our driving force. They keep encouraging us to keep going. Even if we don’t earn much, we still try to give back—not for show, but for blessings.”
Nazlin also hopes to eventually expand the business and improve their packaging.
