KUALA LUMPUR: When Jumat Mat Salleh posted a clip on his TikTok account featuring a male student wearing shoes in poor condition, his only intention was to demonstrate that the student still has the determination and spirit to attend school, serving as motivation for other students.
"I want to show other students that there is a friend in this school, even if his shoes are torn and full of holes; he still has the spirit to come to school.
"That was my original intention in uploading the video," said the 35-year-old counselling teacher at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Madai, Kunak in Sabah.
The clip posted by Jumat, featuring the student, which has gone viral on social media, received various responses, including from local leaders.
He recalled the day when he learned about the predicament and financial challenges faced by the family of the Form 1 student, which compelled him and the other teachers at the school to do all they could to help the student.
"As usual, this week I was the duty teacher and arrived early to welcome students at the school gate. From a distance, I saw a student wearing dirty shoes. I stopped him and asked, 'Why are your shoes so dirty?'
"He replied timidly, saying that if he washed them, the soles would come off and he wouldn't be able to wear them anymore. When I lifted his shoe, not only was the sole gone, but it also had holes in it. Moreover, his socks had holes as well.
"When I asked why he didn't buy new shoes, the student replied that he did not have any money. At that moment, I was speechless, and my heart was moved.
"Together with my colleague, Cikgu Shihar, I immediately took him to the town to buy new socks and shoes," he said.
Jumat said the student, who comes from a poor family, had only been to Kunak town twice.
"After shopping for his new shoes and socks, I advised him to study hard to change his life and his family's situation. If he succeeds, he can pay it forward and help many more people," he said.
He also said that viral video had received various responses, including from local leaders.
"Perhaps it is a blessing for this student. After the video went viral, many individuals and local leaders tried to help. Thank God.
"We at the school are also working to see what needs we can assist this child and his family with," he said.