KUALA LUMPUR: A young schoolboy's grief in having lost his father was cured for several moments when he received a big hug from a 'father figure' at a motivational programme.
A video uploaded on TikTok (https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS2vTCjft/) showed the boy breaking down as he was embraced by a man representating fathers at the programme.
The footage shared by TikTok user @iqmaljamil92 was from the event held at a school. It has garnered nearly three million views and 186,500 likes.
The boy is seen holding a microphone in front of other students while relating his feelings about losing his father.
Later, he was a approached by a man. The caption in the video said the man was the "representatives of fathers" at the event.
The boy wrapped his arms around the man and buried his face in his chest. The TikTok account holder said this heartfelt gesture made the boy's pain more bearable.
The video resonated deeply with netizens.
Many people could relate with the orphaned boy's experience. They also expressed their gratitude for what the programme organiser did for the boy.
Netizens such as @bungsusimah2 reflected on their own loss by saying: "I also lost my father three years ago; I really miss him."
@kasehdhiah tearfully noted: "Since watching this video, I have been reminded of my children, who lost their father three years ago."
Another social media user @91anakkampungsep praised the kindness of the man who hugged the boy.
"A special thanks to the father who offered that hug for someone who misses their dad."