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Graduate honored for saving three drowning victims receives diploma
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Good News

Graduate honored for saving three drowning victims receives diploma

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Mohamad Haikal Danis Mohamad Nasir, a graduate, received his diploma while being recognized for his bravery in saving three drowning victims two years prior.
  • The incident occurred on July 6, 2024, when Haikal and two friends rescued a child, another child attempting a rescue, and a woman in distress at Pulau Perhentian.
  • Haikal stated he acted instinctively, believing in the importance of helping others, a value instilled by his parents.

At the Northern Zone Politeknik and Community College Convocation Ceremony 2026 in Perlis, Mohamad Haikal Danis Mohamad Nasir was among 951 graduates from Politeknik Seberang Perai (PSP). While his academic achievements were noted, it was his courageous act of saving three drowning victims at Pulau Perhentian two years ago that truly touched hearts.

The incident unfolded on July 6, 2024, during a student leadership development program. Haikal, along with friends Muhammad Naufal and Daniel, heard cries for help from the sea. They witnessed a child struggling in the water, followed by another child who attempted a rescue and was also pulled into deeper water. A woman who tried to assist them was nearly pulled under by the panicked children.

I only did what I felt was right at the time because I imagined the victims were like my own siblings, and I didn't think about the danger as long as all the victims could be saved.

— Mohamad Haikal Danis Mohamad NasirExplaining his motivation during the rescue.

Haikal and his friends immediately swam towards the struggling individuals and successfully rescued them. He explained his actions by saying he did what he felt was right, imagining the victims as his own siblings and not considering the danger as long as they could be saved. "I believe every challenge we face shapes who we are today. What Mom and Dad taught me since childhood is to always help others if we can. That's the value I hold to this day," Haikal shared.

PSP Director Mohd. Ruzi Hamzah remarked that Haikal's story demonstrates that a graduate's success should not be measured solely by academic achievements but also by their humanitarian values and contributions to society. In total, 31,850 graduates from polytechnics and community colleges nationwide received their diplomas and certificates across six separate convocation ceremonies organized by zone.

I believe every challenge we face shapes who we are today. What Mom and Dad taught me since childhood is to always help others if we can. That's the value I hold to this day.

— Mohamad Haikal Danis Mohamad NasirReflecting on the values that guided his actions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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