Grad celebrates convocation day at Bachok PPS

KOTA BHARU - A Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) graduate had to celebrate her convocation day at a Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) in Bachok near here due to the flood that has hit Kelantan since last Wednesday.

Durratul Alia Mohamad Kamil, 24, said she was unable to attend the momentous event held on Nov 30, as her home in Kampung Alur Ganu, Bachok, was submerged in floodwater up to waist level.

"My family and I had to relocate to the PPS at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jelawat last Thursday. At the time, I was still hopeful that the flood would subside by Friday, as we had planned to leave for the convocation then.

"However, the water level kept rising, and my dream of attending the convocation was shattered. I could only watch the ceremony via the university’s live broadcast at the PPS,” she told Bernama.

She said her parents had been very excited to see her receive her scroll at the convocation ceremony and had made early preparations, including ordering new outfits.

Durratul Alia said she had collected her convocation robe earlier in the month as part of her preparation for the big day.

"I’m very sad and my parents are really disappointed because they had been eagerly anticipating this moment. Previously, my sister graduated from a foreign university, and we couldn’t attend her ceremony.

"However, we accept this as part of Allah’s will,” said the Bachelor’s Degree in Arabic Language graduate, who has since received multiple offers for free photoshoots from various parties after her story went viral on social media.

Durratul Alia said she plans to take commemorative photos with her parents once the floodwater recedes to preserve the memory.

Recently, a video showing Durratul Alia celebrating her convocation at the PPS in her graduation robe went viral on social media, garnering over 500,000 views. Many viewers left messages of encouragement for her. - BERNAMA