KUALA LUMPUR: A video clip of a toddler reuniting with her father who had been working overseas has touched the hearts of netizens.
The TikTok video posted by the mother, Mader Hana, on June 18 showed the father's return from Indonesia and his reunion with his daughter at the arrival hall of Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) in Sepang.
However, the daughter did not immediately recognise him and appeared to hesitate when approached.
She took some time to remember her father, and only then did she give in and hug him.
"PJJ (long distance relationship) is painful when you have a small child. My daughter almost didn't recognise her own father.
"It's heartbreaking to see my daughter taking her time to remember her own father.
"Be patient, my dear, as your father works far away to provide for us. May Allah protect our small family," the caption accompanying the video stated.
The video has evoked much sympathy among netizens, particularly those who have had similar experiences.
@ummu4shrt ️ #pjj #ldr Sumpah dan cinta matiku - Nidji
"I'm staying far away from my 1-year-old child. When I returned, he could already walk. We video call each other every day, but still, he doesn't recognise me. The sacrifices made by the family's breadwinner," said TikTok user Khai.
Another TikTok user @na_nie_25 shared, "Only those who have experienced it would understand. Every time they go and come back, you'll feel a deep pain. May we all be strong."
"Three years of distance learning from Penang to Johor Bahru. Alhamdulillah (praise to God), he made efforts to come back every weekend. My kids are always super excited when it's Friday," said Ariffayu.
"I'm about to enter the sixth year of distance learning. I understand the feeling very well. It's heartbreaking to see your children cry when their father has to go to work," said Imanadiah.
User @onlysyuuu8 admitted to tearing up after watching the video and wrote, "I'm currently at work and crying here because of this video."
To date, the video has garnered more than 950,000 views and 120,000 likes.