Entire Ipoh school gathers to bid farewell to much-loved security guard

PETALING JAYA: The hearts of many Internet users have been warmed by a viral video of a farewell ceremony held in a school in Ipoh for a security guard who was evidently loved by many pupils there.

The video, which was shot at SK Bandar Baru Putera on Jalan Bercham in Ipoh on Thursday (Nov 30), shows a stream of students lining up to say goodbye to 50-year-old K. Kittu, whom they fondly call "Uncle Kittu".

Many are seen shaking his hand, giving him a hug or giving him a farewell gift, with one enthusiastic student completely lifting Kittu off his feet, which goes to show how well-liked he is by students.

He also received many other gifts and hampers as an expression of gratitude for his service to the school community.

Kittu, who worked at the school for six years, said he considered everyone in the school to be "like family".

"I had to stop working here because I have moved to Taman Seri Klebang and the school is quite far away.

"I didn't expect the farewell ceremony to be so lively with so many pupils attending.

"I cried when the students spoke to me and I also received so many gifts that my car was full.

"The most memorable are the letters from the students and their messages reminding me to take care of my health," he told Sinar Harian.

Kittu, who was formerly a lorry driver, said that the farewell was making him reluctant to leave his job.

"I will miss welcoming students to school as early as 6.30am in the morning and helping them cross the road," said the father of four children.

Social media users also praised the school's effort and the farewell ceremony, saying it symbolised love, harmony and mutual respect for each other.

@lindalabu Selamat Bertugas Di tempat baru Uncle Kittu ♬ Sampai Jumpa - Endank Soekamti