Trailer driver Kahmani breaks stereotypes on Malaysia’s highways

2026-03-25 - 23:41

Kahmani is driving the message home that women can belong behind the wheel of heavy vehicles if they so desire. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR: Amidst the thunderous roar of trailer engines on Malaysia’s highways, M Kahmani is steering her own path in an industry long dominated by men. The 28-year-old trailer driver from Banting, Selangor has spent the past six years navigating heavy vehicles across the country, challenging stereotypes and proving women are just as capable behind the wheel. Despite holding a diploma in mechatronics engineering, Kahmani found her calling unexpectedly. Her interest in trailer driving began one night while she was working at a factory, when she noticed a woman sitting inside a parked trailer. “Seeing her alone made me wonder whether she was the one driving the trailer, because usually it’s men who drive heavy vehicles,” she recalled. “When I asked, she said she was just accompanying her husband who was driving the trailer. That was where I found my inspiration and became committed to pursuing this seriously.” Not long after, Kahmani obtained a driving licence for heavy vehicles and began her journey into the trucking industry. Before this, she had tried several jobs – including working as a cashier, an airline customer service officer and a technician – but none had felt quite right. Meanwhile, the long hours and repetitive routine of being a factory worker left her feeling confined. “Over time, I realised the job didn’t suit me because it felt too restrictive. It was difficult to take leave or move around freely,” she explained. While she enjoys her job, Kahmani acknowledges that long-distance driving and being away from home can be challenging. (Bernama pic) Kahmani added that the world of driving isn’t unfamiliar in her family. “My father, Murugan, is a tanker trailer driver and he taught me a lot about this career.” He remains one of her greatest sources of inspiration. Her work takes her across much of the country. A typical day begins with collecting delivery documents and inspecting the trailer before setting off on the road. “These trailers have become like my second home,” she said. Inside, she keeps essentials such as instant food, clothes, medicines, and basic cooking equipment to make life on the road easier. Still, life as a trailer driver comes with its own challenges. Kahmani occasionally faces scepticism from members of the public who underestimate women’s abilities in such roles. Long-distance journeys can be exhausting, and the demands of the job mean she rarely gets to return home. Despite the independence the job offers, being away from family can be difficult. “The thing I miss most is my mother’s cooking. Previously, my mother would cook but I rarely ate at home. Now that I’m far away, I truly miss her home-cooked meals,” she said. Kahmani’s story recently gained wider attention after a video of her driving a trailer went viral on social media, prompting many women to say they were inspired by her gumption. For Kahmani, the message is simple. “In terms of capability, anyone can do any job if they have confidence and determination,” she concluded.