Rubber Tapper's Sacrifice Pays Off As Daughter Achieves Perfect 4.0 CGPA In STPM Exam
The father borrowed RM120 from fellow villagers to ensure the family was present to celebrate his daughter's achievement.
By Sadho Ram — 14 Jul 2023, 12:06 PM
In a heartwarming display of parental love, a rubber tapper from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, borrowed money from fellow villagers to attend his daughter's Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) recognition ceremony
His 20-year-old daughter, Arnie, an exceptional student of SMK Tun Fuad Stephens, scored a perfect cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.0 in STPM.
Arnie is among 75 students who received honours from Sabah Education Department deputy director Mohd Zaini Yanin at Kolej Tingkatan Enam Kota Kinabalu, reported New Straits Times yesterday, 13 July.
The story of the rubber tapper, Jaliusih Madakol, and his daughter's remarkable academic achievement encapsulates the true spirit of unwavering dedication and hard work
Despite his financial constraints, Jaliusih, who understood the significance of his daughter's momentous achievement, made sure his family attended the recognition ceremony.
"I only have a motorcycle and a Proton Saga that is always breaking down," he said, adding that his car was from the time when Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was the prime minister in the 1990s.
Jaliusih said he drove his family to Tamparuli town, the furthest distance his car could cover, approximately a 30-minute journey from his home. Once reaching Tamparuli, they hired a taxi to continue their journey to the venue, which was an additional 30 minutes away.
The return taxi fare cost RM120, which left him with no choice but to borrow the amount from several villagers just to ensure that he and his family managed to reach the venue.
But it was worth every cent as "it was a joyous occasion", said the 62-year-old, expressing his immense pride and joy in his daughter's accomplishment.
"When Arnie furthers her studies... as she aspires to become a teacher, our family will have to seek financial support from other relatives," he added.
Arnie, who is the third of five siblings, said that her family always made sure their financial constraints would not come between her and her studies
Arnie is the only student from her batch who scored a CGPA of 4.0 in STPM.
"Actually, I only expected to achieve a CGPA of 3.8 or 3.9 but my efforts have paid off.
"My parents are farmers... and my results will allow me to continue studying at a higher level to change my family's life in the future," she was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.
Jaliusih Madakol beams with pride as he looks at his daughter, Arni (centre), with his wife, Malian Bangkulat.
Image via Olivia Miwil/New Straits Times