11 Amazing Malaysians Who Made Headlines For The Most Heartwarming Reasons This Year
Small gestures, big impact.
By Sadho Ram — 02 Dec 2024, 11:17 AM
1. The friendly barber who helped an autistic boy overcome his fear of haircuts, making it possible for him to get his first haircut in eight years
A Malaysian mother praised a barber in Bandar Baru Bangi for giving her autistic son his first haircut in eight years.
The barber, Mr D, showed exceptional patience and compassion, calming the boy despite challenges.
The mother shared her gratitude on TikTok, noting that Mr D has an autistic sibling, which may explain his understanding. Many other parents shared similar struggles with haircuts for autistic children.
Read more here.
2. The primary school teacher who set up makeshift bowling alleys for his students to use during break time
Wan Roslan Wan Ishak, a teacher from Kedah, who initially built makeshift bowling alleys for his students in April this year using his own funds, has expanded his project with a RM20,000 sponsorship from Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
He has added five lanes, rails, trolleys, and bowling balls at SK Nami to enhance the students' experience. His creative efforts gained widespread attention and support for promoting sports among children.
Read more here.
3. The teacher in rural Sarawak who turned a classroom into a café to motivate his students to come to school
Muhamad Tarmizi Awang, a teacher from Sarawak, transformed a classroom into a café to encourage attendance at his rural school.
Inspired by his students' curiosity about cafés, he used personal funds and help from colleagues to create the unique space. He also initiated a cabbage gardening project to teach responsibility.
These efforts aim to make learning enjoyable and motivate students.
Read more here.
4. The 19-year-old Sarawakian who became the only Malaysian to be accepted into the prestigious California Institute of Technology (Caltech) for the Class of 2028
Joel Pang, a 19-year-old from Kuching, Sarawak, became the only Malaysian accepted into Caltech's Class of 2028.
He chose Caltech over offers from Ivy League universities due to its research focus and tight-knit community, aligning with his passion for science.
Highlighting challenges for East Malaysian students, Joel, who who aims to work at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, encourages others to dream big and overcome limitations.
He plans to pursue chemical engineering while exploring fields like astrophysics and planetary science.
Read more here.
5. The 60-year-old who became the first Sarawakian to ascend Mount Everest
Wong Su Chung, a 60-year-old grandfather from Sarawak, became the first Sarawakian to summit Mount Everest.
After three years of preparation and 45 challenging days, he reached the peak on 19 May 2024, attributing his success to mental strength, prayer, and determination.
His family and state leaders welcomed him home in Miri, celebrating his remarkable feat as an inspiration for Malaysians.
Read more here.
6. The boy who saved two rabbits from a house fire in Kajang Utama
A boy in Kajang braved fire and smoke to rescue two rabbits trapped in a burning house.
Captured on video, the boy scaled a wall, cut open the cage, and freed the animals despite the dangerous conditions. His family, known for their love of animals, supported the rescue.
The rabbits were safely reunited with their owner, and the boy received treatment for minor burns.
Read more here.
7. The Chinese residents who helped smooth a road and ease the journey for Malay drivers returning from their hometowns
During the Raya festivities, a community in Perak came together to fix a backroad, alleviating heavy traffic congestion. This collective effort was praised as a demonstration of the true spirit of Malaysia, with one individual expressing gratitude for the locals who came out to help.
The initiative made travel during the busy holiday period much easier for those using the road.
Read more here.
8. The man who rescued his favourite nasi lemak stall
A loyal customer, Sunny Seow, saved a nasi lemak stall in Kulai, Johor, from closing due to overdue rent and a warning from the building's management.
After learning about the stall's struggles, Seow paid the rent and pledged to help the stall continue.
His Facebook post went viral, and MARA's top management responded by allowing the stall to remain. Netizens praised Seow for his kind act, embodying the Malaysian spirit.
Read more here.
9. The former English teacher who has made it her mission to empower women
Ismaniza Fahida, a former teacher from Kedah, runs Cik Puan Gojes Malaysia, a charity focused on empowering the poor, especially women and single mothers.
Drawing from her own experiences growing up in poverty, she provides mentorship and helps individuals become financially independent.
In addition to her charity work, she runs a cosmetics business and aims to expand internationally, using her platform to continue supporting those in need.
Read more here.
10. The couple in Port Dickson who are repaying the kindness of donors who helped fund their daughter's leukaemia treatment
A couple in Port Dickson sells tea for just 50 sen per cup as a way to thank those who helped fund their daughter's leukaemia treatment.
Their stall, aptly named Warung Teh 'O' 50 Sen, serves drinks and local dishes, with the couple committed to maintaining affordable prices despite rising costs.
Read more here.
11. The customer who always orders two meals: one for himself and one for the delivery rider
Pavithran, a petrol station worker in Seremban, recently gained attention for consistently buying two portions of food — one for himself and one for food delivery riders.
The riders, like Nafie, who shared the story on TikTok, are touched by this kind gesture.
Pavithran's daily act of kindness, which started as a small gesture, has inspired many, showing that kindness is not about wealth but humanity.
Read more here.
