Floods are a recurring disaster in Malaysia, with monsoon rains displacing thousands of people every year. This year has been particularly devastating, with torrential downpours causing widespread destruction in several northern states of Peninsular Malaysia.
Photo via TikTok (@pearlia39)
As of 30 November, nearly 139,000 people have been forced to leave their homes, seeking safety in flood relief centres. These annual floods disrupt countless lives, yet they also reveal the resilience and creativity of Malaysians in the face of adversity.
One such story of perseverance comes from a young woman who found a way to celebrate a major life achievement despite being affected by the floods. TikTok user @pearlia39 was scheduled to attend her graduation ceremony at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI).
However, rising floodwaters forced her and her family to evacuate to a relief centre, making it impossible for her to be physically present at the convocation.
Refusing to let the disaster dampen her spirits, she decided to ‘attend’ her graduation virtually. In a video she shared on TikTok, which has since gone viral with over 231,000 views, she documented how she joined the convocation livestream from inside the relief centre.
The video shows her and her mother intently watching the event unfold on screen, a quiet moment of pride amidst the chaos. To make the occasion even more meaningful, she donned her convocation robe and mortarboard, bringing a touch of celebration to her temporary home.
In a touching gesture, she waved at the livestream cameras, symbolising her participation in the ceremony despite not being there in person. The simplicity of the video struck a chord with viewers, who were inspired by her determination to celebrate her achievement even under challenging circumstances.
This story is a testament to the enduring spirit of Malaysians. Year after year, the floods test the resilience of communities, but stories like @pearlia39’s remind us of the strength and hope that shine through even in the darkest times.
