TEACHER’S SIMPLE ACT OF KINDNESS WARMS MALAYSIAN HEARTS

NIBONG TEBAL, Dec 14 (Bernama) — Sometimes, the smallest gestures leave the deepest impressions. For Janorashikin Jasdi, 39, a simple act of feeding a hungry preschooler during a football tournament in Penang has touched the hearts of Malaysians, becoming a viral symbol of unity and compassion.

Janorashikin, who works as a Preschool Student Management Assistant (PPM) at SJKT Ladang Jawi, didn’t think twice about helping her young charge, an Indian boy, eat his lunch. In a heartwarming moment caught on camera, she gently blew on the hot food before feeding him – a motherly instinct that struck a chord with many.

“It all happened spontaneously. We were short on time during the break, and I just wanted to help him eat quickly. I never imagined it would go viral, or that it would bring so much positivity,” she told Bernama at the school.

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The act was captured on Dec 7 during the Under-6 MIFA Beyond Kids Cup, held at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in Penang. Janorashikin, the only Malay woman present, was assisting as the team’s kit manager. Her school’s team went on to secure second place in the tournament.

The video, recorded by a parent and shared on TikTok, quickly gained traction. By the time Janorashikin returned home that evening, the clip was being widely circulated, including on the school's WhatsApp group, accompanied by countless messages of praise.

"When I saw the comments, I couldn’t hold back my tears. It was overwhelming to see such positive reactions to something I felt was so small,” she said.

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A mother of four, Janorashikin treats her young students like her own children, regardless of their race or religion. She’s only been at SJKT Ladang Jawi for 10 months but has already built strong bonds with the 25 preschoolers she helps care for daily.

Janorashikin’s commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed. Headmistress M. Gogilambal described her as an exemplary educator whose actions reflect the core values of unity and care promoted by the MADANI government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"Teaching is about more than just academics. It’s about instilling noble values and showing children the meaning of love and respect.

"I’m so proud of Puan Nora (Janorashikin). Her compassion and dedication to the children here have made her a role model for all educators. The viral video has even brought our school recognition,” she said.

Fellow preschool teacher R. Sanggari shared similar sentiments.

“When she first joined us, I was worried she might struggle since she’d never worked with Indian children before. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. Within a week, she had connected with the kids like a natural,” Sanggari said.

Janorashikin has been a PPM for 18 years, previously working at a Chinese vernacular school (SJKC) for a decade and later at a national school (SK) before joining SJKT Ladang Jawi in February.

For her, the role isn’t just about assisting teachers – it’s about creating a loving and inclusive environment for the children.

“I see them as my own kids. If I can care for my own children at home, why wouldn’t I do the same for these little ones?” she said.

The viral video, simple yet profound, has been hailed as a reminder of the unity that lies at the heart of Malaysia’s diverse society.

-- BERNAMA