KUALA LUMPUR: "Today is my father's birthday. Please honk twice," read a note attached to the back of a man's car on his birthday.
The light-hearted prank was orchestrated by Nadiah Rusman, 30, as a surprise for her father, Rusman Ahthadari, 61, on Jan 10.
The prank garnered attention on TikTok, and the shared video amassed 5.4 million views on her account.
Nadiah, who is Rusman's eldest daughter, said that she enjoys surprising her family and playing jokes on them, especially her parents. She said that she has never forgotten to celebrate their birthdays every year for the past five years.
She added that she has organised various surprises and played jokes on her "heaven" (referring to her family) and, most recently, to celebrate her beloved father's 61st birthday last week with her extended family.
"I organised a birthday celebration for my dad at a hotel in Johor Baru, and before that, on the way to the hotel, I pulled a prank on him by attaching a note saying that today is his birthday and asking people to honk for him.
"Indeed, along the way, there were vehicles honking, and he found it odd, but didn't think it was a prank.
"To cover it up, I asked him if those honking were his friends, but he denied it," she said when contacted today.
She added that the plan was assisted by her mother and two younger siblings. It was only upon arriving at the hotel that her father realised the surprise, and was genuinely touched by her effort.
"I asked dad why he wasn't angry since people kept honking. He said maybe those honking were just saying 'hello' because they honked only twice and not for an extended period. If it was a long honk, it means the driver is angry.
@yaya_nadiah Prank Birthday! Sorry Abah! i lebiuuuu!
"Dad has a humorous character, and he's a good sport. Besides, as his daughter, I know the limits when playing pranks on him.
"Alhamdulillah, even though dad tends to hide his feelings, he appreciates what I do.
"Some pranks I've pulled on dad include wearing a bear mascot to surprise him at the office and bringing dad and the family from Johor Baru to Putrajaya for a surprise picnic on his birthday," she said.
Working in Singapore, Nadiah said that she likes to express appreciation for her loved ones with self-inspired surprises to create lasting memories while her parents are still in this world.
"For me, family is a priority, especially mum and dad, so I will do anything to make them happy.
"Moreover, this is one of my ways of showing appreciation to them, even though it cannot repay all their efforts and sacrifices in raising me to get to where I am today.
"Everyone has their way of finding happiness, and for me, this is my happiness– seeing the smiles and joy of mum and dad makes me happy too.
"Bringing joy to them also makes me believe that Allah SWT always facilitates and gives us more blessings," she said, adding that her family resides in Taman Bukit Kempas, Johor.
Regarding her TikTok video, Nadiah said that it is solely for family memories, and what she does is genuine and not just for content. Additionally, every year, her friends eagerly anticipate the surprises she plans for her father.
"The video received many comments and reactions from netizens, including some who expressed sadness and longing for their fathers.
"I also want to express my gratitude to everyone who has been sending birthday wishes and prayers for my dad," she said.
