JOHOR BARU: It was a double celebration for 16 parents from two hospitals here as they welcomed their newborns on Malaysia Day.
Among them were Amirul Hamzah Othman, 29, and his wife Nur Shamareena Abdul Hisham, 28, who welcomed their daughter at KPJ Putri Specialist Hospital at 3.36am.
“I never thought we would have her on a public holiday as she was initially expected to be delivered on Sept 27.
“Alhamdulillah, we are grateful that the delivery process went smoothly.
“The birth feels extra special because it coincides with Malaysia Day,” said Amirul, a laboratory technician.
The couple said they named their daughter Dian Nafissa, which means "light", symbolising their precious ray of hope on a day that celebrates unity and diversity in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, Johor Jaya assemblyman Liow Cai Tung shared photos of Malaysia Day babies she visited at Hospital Sultan Ismail (HSI).
“According to HSI deputy director Dr Surya Marsom, as of 9am, 15 babies had been delivered at the hospital.
“The number is expected to rise to between 30 and 40 throughout the day,” Liow said, adding that she met five of the mothers during her visit.
Among them was Huang Yan Hua, who delivered her firstborn at 12.52am.
“The experience is especially meaningful as my child’s birthday now coincides with a national occasion.
“This makes me feel even more connected to the country. Harmony must be preserved through unity, mutual tolerance and respect for one another,” she said.
Just minutes earlier, Siti Nursyatiqah gave birth to her second child at 12.42am, although her due date was Sept 17.
“The due date was supposed to be tomorrow, but maybe my baby was too eager to see the world earlier. I feel overjoyed with this special blessing,” she said.
