The road has no gender. Neither do ambition, skill, or dreams.
In the roaring world of long-haul trucks, where towering trailers thunder down highways and men have long dominated the wheel, a quiet revolution is happening. And at the heart of it is 27-year-old Kahmani Murugan, a young Indian woman from Klang, proving that grit, ambition, and courage know no gender.Since childhood, Kahmani’s dreams were larger than life just like the massive trailers she admired. While society expected her to settle for “safer” jobs, Kahmani’s eyes were always fixed on the open road.
“People told me a woman doesn’t belong behind the wheel of a trailer. I chose to prove them wrong not with words, but with every kilometre I drove.”
Inspired by her father, who makes a living driving oil tankers, Kahmani dared to break away from expectations. By 21, license in hand, she is one of the rare sights on Malaysian roads - a young Indian woman steering a massive trailer across states like Penang and Terengganu, often travelling solo, her trailer serving as both transport and temporary home.
“It’s not about gender - it’s about skill and mindset,” Kahmani affirms.
Rejected from companies because of her appearance and stature, Kahmani faced the harsh sting of prejudice early on. But defeat was never an option.
“They said I didn’t look the part. I showed them that passion and skill speak louder than appearances.”
There you go, Kahmani!
Her greatest strength and blessing? Her family…
Contrary to stereotypes, Kahmani's family never discouraged her ambitions. Their unwavering support became her foundation. Her parents, especially, check on her daily, concerned for her safety as she navigates long routes, early mornings, and unpredictable journeys.
“They never stopped me. They worried, yes, but they believed in me,” she shares with pride.
Their daily phone calls checking her whereabouts may seem ordinary, but for Kahmani, they’re reminders of the quiet strength behind her journey.
It hasn't always been smooth roads. She recalls a nerve-wracking moment when a GPS mishap led her massive trailer into a narrow village road tangled with low-hanging electrical wires. But with patience and skill, Kahmani carefully reversed her trailer, a feat many would hesitate to attempt and made her way back safely. Such experiences only fuel her confidence.
More than just a job - it’s a statement.
Every kilometre Kahmani travels chips away at outdated mindsets. Her journey isn't just about transporting goods - it’s about transporting society toward greater equality. "Opportunities may not come twice. If you want it, grab it, work hard, and never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do," she advises.
To every young woman hesitating at the edge of her dreams, Kahmani has one message:
"Courage, passion, and hard work will take you further than doubt ever could. The road may be tough, but it’s yours to conquer."
Kahmani Murugan proving every day that women belong behind the wheel, at the forefront, and anywhere they choose to be. Thank you for inspiring all the women out there, Kahmani!
Image Courtesy : Kahmani Murugan