GEORGE TOWN: A Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) graduate, who was stuck in a congestion on the Penang Bridge this morning resorted to hitching a ride from a motorcyclist to take him to the university for his graduation ceremony.
The congestion on the bridge was the result of a fatal accident.
R. Kevin, 28, said he was determined to walk down the stage in his graduation robe and tried his luck with a motorcyclist, who was willing to take him.
"I panicked when I saw it was already 9am and my parents and I were still stuck in the unusual congestion on the Penang Bridge.
"I was excited and grateful that there were many people out there who were willing to come to my aid and take me to USM to celebrate my success of graduating with a Master of Business Administration with my friends," he said.
Early this morning, a photo of Kevin holding his graduation robe attempting to hitch a ride went viral on social media.
Commenting further, Kevin said he left home in Seberang Jaya with his parents at 6.30am but did not expect such a severe congestion due to a fatal accident that occurred on the bridge.
"At first, I hoped that the congestion would not last long, but after 9am and the vehicles were still not moving, I was determined to look for an alternative because my dream was just to go up on stage to receive my scroll today," he said.
Kevin said he did not however have the time to engage in a long conversation with the noble man who was willing to drop him off because he was in a hurry.
"Nevertheless, I take this opportunity to thank him.
"Without his help, I would not have been able to get on stage today," said Kevin, who was also happy because both his parents, Rayappan, 62 and Mary, 48 who continued driving also managed to arrive at the university to see him receive his scroll.
Meanwhile, the management of the university and the secretariat of the 59th USM convocation ceremony said they understood the difficulties experienced by the graduates at the fifth session today and postponed the ceremony for 30 minutes.
The convocation ceremony which was supposed to start at 10am was postponed until 10.30am to make way for those affected by the congestion as a result of the accident.