In a heartwarming display of parental pride, Malaysian singer Black Hanifah took to Instagram yesterday (8th April) to share a two-part video capturing his 9-year-old son, Khaleef Dayyan Hanifah’s first solo journey to Langkawi. The singer added in the very first part of the video that he was going to fetch his only son from the airport, saying “For the first time, [Khaleef] will be travelling alone from KL to Langkawi “
Throughout the vlog, viewers were treated to a glimpse of a moment recorded by Khaleef himself after successfully boarding the plane on his own. “Hello guys, today I want to go to Langkawi, my family is waiting [for me] at Langkawi Airport,” he said, all settled in his seat. Then, the scene cuts to a close-up of the boy saying with a proud face, “I’m alone.”
The second part of the vlog showed the 38-year-old performer in his car, making his way to the Langkawi airport, followed by a clip of him waiting for his son at the arrival gates. Soon enough, his 9-year-old son was later seen being escorted by a steward while excitement bubbled up the moment they saw their Khaleef Dayyan.
A tinge of smitten pride written all over Black Hanifah’s face as he pulled his son into a loving embrace before bombarding the boy with a set of questions regarding his journey. “Wooo, that’s cool! My son boarded the flight alone,” the singer exclaimed proudly. Khaleef stood by his father’s side with a bashful look on his face while his father cheered happily.
The video certainly garnered praise from netizens, celebrating Khaleef Dayyan for reaching a huge milestone. Aside from that, the video even struck a chord with many viewers as they shared their own family’s experiences of either their children or them travelling alone as children. A few netizens were stunned over the fact that children are allowed to travel on their own without any parents in sight.
One netizen added her story, “My standard 1 child boarded the flight alone as there will be an escort guiding her. Malaysian Airlines do provide an escort for children below the age of 13. Alhamdulillah, they escorted my child and even held their hand“. Several comments included how most airlines would typically categorise children traveling alone as Young Passenger Traveling Alone (YPTA). Locally known actress and host, Nabila Huda left a comment, “Yes!!! Young passenger!! Abil (herself) used to travel to Johor too…Good job Dayyan!!”.
Similar comments flooded the singer’s page, some applauding Khaleef’s bravery as most of the netizens agreed that they are scared to travel on their own even as an adult or with their own family. On other note, netizens congratulate the actor’s parental style which allows the 9 year old boy to experience independence. Another netizen complimented the singer, “Good job, Black for educating your child to be brave. However, Dayyan is a good boy and a brave child. Hopefully he’ll turn out to be an amazing person. Keep it going.”
Black Hanifah’s video also serves as a poignant reminder of how crucial relentless support contribute to actually empowering children. By allowing them to experience events such as this, it will create a space for children to muster up the courage and eventually foster independence later on. What do you think?
Check out the full video below!
Source: Instagram
Ariani Soraya contributed to this article.
