KUALA LUMPUR: A heartwarming video capturing a teacher's farewell ceremony at a Sabah school has gone viral.
The video was initially shared by @rasyaddddiman on TikTok and later reposted on Facebook by Taman Sri Gombak, gaining widespread attention due to its emotionally touching content.
The footage shows snippets of the ceremony, featuring the SMK Tawau teacher delivering a speech while shedding tears. He is then serenaded by students singing a farewell song as he departs from the school compound, accompanied by fellow teachers and students.
Cikgu Baljeet Singh Mann had dedicated 31 years of service to the school and was returning to his home in Ipoh, Perak.
Netizens quickly expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the teacher's sacrifices and dedication in serving the school despite being away from his loved ones.
Facebook user Mohd Izhar Ahmad Zahari thanked the teacher and congratulated him on his achievements, saying, "Thank you, cikgu. Your contribution and dedication reflect the great person you are and serve as an inspiration to other teachers."
Another user, Jipp Gonolon Agustine, thanked the teacher and mentioned that Cikgu Baljeet is one of the best teachers he ever had in Sabah, who came from Peninsular Malaysia.
Tinah Mummy C Chahca expressed gratitude to the teacher for being willing to leave his hometown to educate the children of Sabah, hoping that his contributions will always be remembered.
Nurul Azmi urged the Sabah Education Department to recognise and reward the teacher's contributions.
Faizal Muis mentioned that the teacher, known as Abang Man outside the school, contributed immensely, especially to SMK Tawau students, and thanked him for his dedication.
Bidin Awang emphasised that Cikgu Baljeet is 100 per cent dedicated to teaching, which is why he doesn't mind spending over 30 years there. He believes teachers like Cikgu Baljeet deserve the title of 'Datuk' for their dedication to educating the nation's children.