Nestled in the tranquil enclave of Sungai Penchala, just a short distance from the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur, KafeBasikalTua offers more than a mere escape from urban life. It stands as a testament to the incredible power of community, resilience, and creativity in the face of adversity.
What began as a simple cafe has blossomed into a beacon of hope, where every meal, every corner, and every gesture reflects a deeper mission — one that celebrates unity, compassion, and the human spirit.
The story behind this café is one of personal transformation and profound community impact. Its founder, Raja Iskandar Datuk Raja Mansur, 58, a landscape designer and entrepreneur, reached a turning point in his life after suffering a stroke in December 2014.
Unable to continue his career, he found solace in an unexpected path — the adaptive reuse of his former office. The café is located next to a self-built structure on his family’s land, which originally served as his office. What started as a personal healing project transformed into something much greater: a space that seamlessly combines nostalgia with purpose and creativity with compassion.
"I had a paralysing stroke. So, I started decorating and setting up this café, which officially opened three years ago, after COVID-19. It was during my recovery that I realised the power of design and how it could heal — not only for me but for others as well," Abang Raja, as he is affectionately known, shared in a recent interview with Bernama.
As he poured his heart and soul into transforming the space, a unique vision began to take shape: a café that would do more than simply serve food. It would serve a greater purpose — one that empowers marginalised communities and fosters inclusivity, particularly for those often overlooked by society. The café was not just a business; it became a platform for change.
UPLIFTING COMMUNITY THROUGH COMPASSION
A standout feature of KafeBasikalTua is its unwavering commitment to supporting individuals, especially Persons With Disabilities (PWD), with a focus on the blind community. Partnering with local disabled residents, the café has transformed into a peaceful sanctuary where their exceptional talents are celebrated.
The simple yet flavourful menu showcases the skill and dedication of these remarkable individuals. Dishes like nasi lemak, nasi kerabu, nasi ganja, nasi kukus, and nasi dagang, along with various kuih-muih, are lovingly prepared in metal tiffin carriers. This choice not only adds a unique touch but elevates the dining experience with a sense of passion and craftsmanship. Every dish serves as a tribute to the resilience and commitment of those behind it, making each bite a powerful statement of purpose.
"We use tiffin carriers because it’s our trademark — a picnic-style concept. Since we don’t cook here, we source food from our team members, who prepare it in their homes. Tiffin carriers are more hygienic, and we avoid plastic to be environmentally-friendly.
"Bookings are available daily but must be made one week in advance, as preparation takes longer with our team of PWD. We offer lunch and high tea, with closures on Fridays for prayers and rest," he said.
For Abang Raja, this initiative is a heartfelt way to repay the kindness he received during his own struggles. The café is his way of giving back, especially to the blind community, and to the blind massage therapists who inspired him during his recovery from the stroke.
"Meeting such lovely and helpful people opened my eyes to the importance of supporting families and communities. It’s all about creating opportunities for those who have been marginalised and helping them thrive," he shared.
The café’s unique concept features a rotating menu each month. One standout dish, Nasi Ganja, captivates with its playful name, though it contains no prohibited ingredients. They also offer handcrafted fruit cakes for special occasions, made from watermelon and other fruits, perfect for sharing.
Beyond food, Abang Raja has embraced creativity by featuring local handicraft made by PWD. These handmade items—ranging from paintings to patchwork door mats—are available for sale, providing much-needed income for artisans seeking a platform to showcase their work. Through this initiative, he has created a vibrant space where creativity and compassion merge, empowering individuals to share their talents and build successful lives.
PICNIC IN A LOST GARDEN
KafeBasikalTua is more than just a café—it’s a space designed to nourish both the body and the soul. The interior, inspired by tropical Malaya aesthetics and nostalgic elements, invites visitors into a world where the past meets the present. It’s a harmonious blend of reclaimed wood, vintage furniture, and artefacts from a bygone era, each telling the story of a life well-lived and a journey of healing.
"The idea to name this café Basikal Tua came about during COVID when cycling became more popular due to movement restrictions (MCO) and other factors. That’s how the name KafeBasikalTua originated. After COVID, cycling became less popular, but I decided to keep the name because I loved the concept," shared Abang Raja.
"I wanted to create a space where every piece tells a story. The house is a patchwork of my memories, my life, and my family’s history. Each item in the café holds a personal connection to me," he explained.
Visitors will be surprised to find his grandmother’s 100-year-old food tiffin among other cherished items such as an old telephone, books, and a sewing machine. "The old items on display are from my personal collection, while the ones for sale are handcrafted by PWD," he added.
For the construction of the house, Abang Raja incorporated materials from old houses, such as the main gate made from a door of an old government house in Seremban, and windows sourced from an old house in Penang.
This eclectic mix of antiques and heirlooms not only evokes nostalgia but also creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place where guests are invited to slow down, connect with the past, and appreciate the beauty of imperfection.
"For me, this space represents more than just a café. It is a living testament to resilience—both personal and communal. It stands as a symbol of how, through creativity, even the most challenging circumstances can be transformed into something beautiful and meaningful," he said.
Surrounded by lush greenery and ornamental flowers, such as Heliconia species and various exotic palms, the café’s garden has become a central part of the experience. This vibrant, Malaya-inspired landscape provides the perfect setting for patrons to relax and enjoy their meals in a serene environment. The café’s concept, located beside the house, revolves around the idea of a picnic in a lost garden, where dining becomes an immersive experience that connects guests with nature and each other.
Abang Raja’s love for nature and nostalgia is reflected in the café’s atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to enjoy their meals amid the greenery, savouring each bite while soaking in the peaceful surroundings. The rustling of leaves, the scent of blooming flowers, and the soft glow of lanterns create a sensory experience that transports visitors away from the chaos of the outside world.
But the café’s concept extends beyond the physical space—it’s a place where people from all walks of life come together to support a common cause, one that emphasises kindness, empathy, and the power of community.
The café’s architecture—a fusion of modern comforts and old-world charm—mirrors the resilience and creativity behind its creation. The balance of natural materials, vintage furnishings, and tropical aesthetics creates a space that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant.
"This careful blend of form and function also embodies the café’s mission. Every detail has been thoughtfully chosen to reflect the core values of the space—inclusivity, creativity, and compassion. It’s a place where people can come together, share stories, and contribute to something larger than themselves," he noted.
A LEGACY OF KINDNESS AND HOPE
Through its unique blend of food, design, and community involvement, KafeBasikalTua has become a shining example of a place where lives can be transformed, connections made, and the spirit of togetherness thrives.
When asked if he had fully recovered from his stroke, Abang Raja replied, "According to research, people don’t fully recover from a stroke—nobody fully recovers. But what matters more is how we manage it."
For Abang Raja, the true reward is not financial profit, but the positive impact the café has on the lives of those it touches.
"The real measure of success is to know that I’ve made a difference in someone’s life. That, to me, is the greatest self-reward," he said.
"I don’t hire people; they have been part of my team for a long time, even from the very beginning. That’s the original purpose of the café. I didn’t start the café and suddenly turn it into a café for PWD. That’s not the concept. I don’t hire people; for me, they are part of the team," he added.
The initiative serves as an example of how inclusive workplaces can create opportunities for everyone, regardless of background or life challenges. One of his team members, Mohamad Azman, a part-time food runner and purchasing assistant at the café, has a learning disability and struggled for five years with unsuccessful job hunting.
"Through this collaboration, he was given the opportunity to work as a food runner and purchasing assistant at the café. Not only has he gained a reliable source of income, but he also feels valued and entrusted with responsibilities that give him a sense of pride," Abang Raja said.
Another team member, Puan Noraishah Ismail, 62, is a pastry and snack maker with a mild intellectual disability who plays a vital role in the café’s kitchen. She bakes biscuits and snacks for customers and also crafts handmade products, which are sold alongside the food. This opportunity has allowed her to learn new skills and improve her livelihood while actively contributing to the business.
Other key supporters of this initiative include Puan Zarina Kamal, who manages one of the kitchens and has family members with disabilities; Puan Kamariah Yusof, who oversees the involvement of single mothers; as well as Puan Rosminah Kamsi and Puan Zuhairah Ali. Abang Raja humbly describes himself as the conductor of this collective orchestra.
Through these initiatives, persons with disabilities are not only given job opportunities but also a chance to grow and contribute to society. Their stories prove that every individual, regardless of challenges, deserves an equal opportunity. These empowerment efforts not only benefit the PWD themselves but also strengthen the spirit of an inclusive community.
“As the café continues to grow and inspire, it stands as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we all have the power to create something beautiful.
"Whether through a shared meal, a piece of handmade jewellery, or a kind gesture, KafeBasikalTua is a prime example that compassion, creativity, and community are the building blocks of a brighter future," Abang Raja reflected.
Edited by Salbiah Said
