“Can you really fix my car?” is a question she hears all too often. Instead of being discouraged, however, it fuels her determination to prove her skills and expertise.
“I’ve come to understand that being a mechanic requires resilience and the ability to stay calm when interacting with customers,” she told Bernama recently.
Khairin Qisstina is the only female mechanic at MTH Autohaus & Accessories in Taman Pengkalan Jaya here. At 165cm tall, she understands why customers might doubt her capabilities.
“It’s true that my physical strength doesn’t match that of men, but I don’t allow that to be an excuse to give up,” she said.
“Beyond my passion for this field, I’m also fulfilling the wish of my late older brother, who was deeply passionate about the automotive industry.”
Fondly known as Khai, the Ipoh-born credits her late brother, Muhammad Aqil Khairin, for sparking her interest in the field.
“My passion began when I was nine, as I was often exposed to information about luxury cars by my late brother, who aspired to pursue a career in the automotive industry,” she shared.
Muhammad Aqil had passed away from meningitis over five years ago at age 18.
A year after his passing, Khairin Qisstina continued her education at Kolej Vokasional Lebuh Cator, where she earned her Malaysian Vocational Certificate before pursuing diploma-level studies.
The second of five siblings, she underwent industrial training at her current workplace before being offered a permanent position.
“It’s definitely challenging to prove that we are on par with men. However, I am grateful to have colleagues who have been very supportive and are always willing to guide me,” said Khairin Qisstina, who has been a full-time employee for the past two months.
One of the most challenging tasks she faces is removing the gearbox from a vehicle, particularly Proton models. She explained that the process can take three to four hours owing to the weight of the mechanical components.
“My colleagues are a great help in this regard,” she added, noting that her expertise leans more towards engine repairs for imported cars, especially Volkswagen and BMW models.
Meanwhile, MTH Autohaus & Accessories owner Mohamad Zaini Ashari, 53, said Khairin’s attitude and discipline were key factors that led to her being hired as a permanent employee.
“From April to October, when Khai underwent industrial training, I observed that she was not only diligent but also frequently sought advice from other mechanics when encountering issues with vehicles under repair.
“That’s what I find special about Khai. Perhaps through this opportunity, I can provide her with career experience that she can leverage to excel further in the future.”
Mohamad Zaini also believes that negative perceptions of women working in this field are unwarranted, and that support is crucial for their continued success.
“Nowadays, many jobs don’t differentiate between men and women. What matters most is passion, diligence, and a willingness to learn. These are the traits that ultimately determine a person’s success.”