Security guard touched when students 'salam' with him

It is normal to see Malaysians salam each other but the practice holds an even special meaning for a school security guard in Keningau, Sabah.

This is because the students would salam him as a gesture of respect before they enter the school's premises.

SK Luagan’s security guard, Dali Udan (photo), said he was honoured when the students salam him.

“I am touched when the students salam and kiss my hand because I feel appreciated by the students and staff. It makes me feel less stressed as I go about my daily tasks,” said Dali, 27, who has worked at the school for almost a year.

He said the practice also helped foster a sense of kinship between him and students.

“I treat (the students) like my siblings,” he said. 

The video of the students greeting the security guard with a salam went viral after being shared on Facebook last week. It has received more than 17,000 likes.

It also attracted the attention of Education Minister Maszlee Malik.

“A culture of respect needs to be taught to our children. Schools are an educational platform that can foster a culture of respect,” Maszlee said on Twitter.

Maszlee Malik@maszlee

Lihatlah keperibadian anak-anak kita di SK Luagan, Sabah ini. Mereka bersalaman dengan pengawal keselamatan.

Budaya menghormati perlu diterapkan kepada anak-anak kita. Sekolah sememangnya harus berfungsi sebagai satu platform pendidikan yang memupuk budaya hormat-menghormati.

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4:13 PM - Nov 8, 2019

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SK Luagan's headmaster, Junis Durulou@Reddwan said it was part of the school’s routine for students to salam the security guards and teachers at the school gate each morning.

“It is important to practice mutual respect when welcoming students to school. This practice of offering the salam is a way of giving blessings for learning," he told Malaysiakini.

"Guards are important people who are in charge of the safety of the school and the school body. They are like older brothers to the students."

The headmaster added that the value of respect was also taught in the classroom and during school programmes.

"We believe that if you want to be respected, you must respect others, and to be loved, we must first love others,” he said. - Mkini