We've been reading about 2019 having been one of the most 'meh' or even terrible years, and honestly, we can even relate to a certain degree.
But the year wasn't all bad.
There were some pretty awesome things that happened, thanks to the selflessness shown by awesome Malaysians.
Now that 2020 is just around the corner, we would like to pay tribute to some of these local heroes who undoubtedly made 2019 a really good year for us:
#1 There was this hero who risked his life to save a kitten
Not all heroes wear capes, some come on a wheelchair. No, we don't mean Professor X.
Abu Fathiyyaturahma and his friend were heading to a sports complex near their home some time in August when they saw a kitten stuck in a drain.
Not knowing how long the kitten was stuck there, Abu decided to get off his wheelchair, crawl to the drain and save the animal.
He shared his story on his Facebook and it went viral, with many applauding his action.
#2 A Malaysian doctor who helped a baby undergo successful tumour removal surgery
Earlier this year, the plight of nine-month-old Ainul Mardhiah made headlines when photos of the baby who was suffering from a rare form of cancer known as Germ Cell Tumour went viral online.
Malaysians banded together to raise funds for the baby, but it was a local medical student, Dr. Amalina Che Bakri, who stepped up to truly help Ainul. Will the help of the public, Dr. Amalina brought baby Ainul and her family to the UK for the surgery.
The operation finally took place on 10 June and Ainul’s tumour, which weighed 200g, was successfully removed in a five-hour operation. You can read the full story here.
#3 This Chinese uncle who adopted four Malay kids
Hari Raya, and other festivals, are times when many share heartwarming stories about family and unity.
One such story that went viral this year was of 74-year-old Lim Peng Chik, who adopted four Malay kids from imporvished families and provides for them.
Not only does he take care of them, he also insists that they wake up for sahur each day and bring them to the mosque for prayers during the Ramadan month.
Uncle Lim, we salute you for your openness and acceptance!
#4 The power of social media helped locate owner of lost RM10 note
Early December, a photo of a RM10 banknote went massively viral on social media. It was not just any RM10 note, as this one has a very special message scribbled on it: “The last cash given by dad on 21/5/2010 Friday 7.10a.m. I love you dad.”
Sensing the banknote was important to a fellow Malaysian, a Facebook user named Hyza Ezany posted photos of the banknote on her own page, and pleaded for fellow Malaysians to help her locate the owner.
Lo and behold, the owner of the RM10 note was found, all thanks to the power of social media. Click here for the full story.
#5 A bunch of Malaysian who helped Utusan and Kosmo staff
It was definitely a dark year for journalism, but in darkness, we saw some light through the kindness of fellow Malaysians who helped out Utusan Malaysia and Kosmo! staff when the publications closed its doors.
The news of the staff having to resort to borrowing money, having their cars repossed by banks and more, have prompted Malaysians - regardless of their political believes and personal views on the publications - to come together to help those in need.
It was reported that many came forward to give monetary aid, as well as donated household needs such as rice, cooking oil and more.
Times like this reminds us how generous Malaysians can be, if only we put our differences aside.
#6 The street artist who painted a mural of a hardworking bread man
Local street artist Acit Raman Abdullah decided to pay tribute to his neighbourhood bread man in the best way possible: by painting a giant mural of him on the side of a building.
According to Acit, Muniandi, the humble bread man, still remembers him after all these years. Acit also revealed that through his hard work and sacrifice, Muniandi has successfully brought up his children to become doctors, lawyers and chemical engineers.
Click here to read the touching story.
#7 This guy who started a movement to give out 'duit raya'
Sebarkan kebaikan, sesi beri duit raya pada pekerja tol, pak guard & barista bermulaaa ? pic.twitter.com/2hTMkLmoIE
— AminJamean (@amin_jamean) June 7, 2019
Another feel good Hari raya story: Twitter user Amin Jamaen's tweet became famous when he posted a video of him giving duit raya to a barista.
Touched by the response he got for his post, he then started a #DuitRayaMovement, encouraging others to do their bit.
Many got on with his idea, and shared their own #DuitRayaMovement stories.
What a kind soul who not only did good, but encouraged others to do so too!
#8 Good samaritan rewards hardworking deliveryman with a car
Back in November, the story of a hardworking young man who does multiple delivery jobs, including working as a rider for Grab Food to support his family, went viral on social media.
That prompted Aiman Manan to offer Ganesh Murthi a job as a delivery rider around the Klang Valley area for his healthcare and supplements company Natura.
According to Aiman, Ganesh is always on time and never once late.
After Ganesh's story went viral, another good samaritan by the name of Benny James decided to present Ganesh with a car.
His reason was simple: to help him grow further in life, and for him to do better with his delivery business.
Click here to read the full story.
Keep your eyes on the light
We humans tend to dwell on the negative, and let's face it, there are plenty of those around, but we should not forget to look at the light.
Always remember what Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore once said: 'Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.'
We hope that this new year, we will hear more of the good things, and less of the bad ones.
To the Malaysians who've made the world a better place this year, we salute you. Thank you for being a good person.