14/02/2025

FRIDAY | FEB 14, 2025

6

Wonder woman on child protection mission

Busker uses Spider-Man

outfit to net fans

KUALA LUMPUR: His favourite busking spots are at the morning market in Padang Serai on Saturdays and a supermarket in Kulim, Kedah. With his melodious voice and Spider-Man garb, it is hard to miss him. The 34-year-old singer, known only as Roy, has captured the attention of netizens with his unique style, so much so that videos of his performances have been widely shared on TikTok. Roy, of Kampung Selamat in Tasek Gelugor, Penang, said when he first started busking 15 years ago, he performed with a group but went solo in 2023. “After posting my videos on TikTok since July last year, my followers increased because some of the videos made it to the ‘For You Page’ level. “From there, more people began to recognise and take an interest in my busking style. Now, I’m getting opportunities to perform at events such as weddings, and my weekends are fully booked until July,”he said. Roy, who works as a technician, said he dresses up as Spider-Man as he has been a fan of the superhero since childhood. He owns 15 sets of Spider-Man costumes. “Wearing the complete costume is quite troublesome because it takes me longer to get ready at a venue, especially since I also wear an inner garment, which can be uncomfortable and make me sweat. “But after a while, I got used to it. While my intention is to entertain adults, wearing a costume is also an easy way to attract children. At the very least, they can take pictures with me,”he said. On his future plans, Roy said he has no intention of becoming a professional singer as he sings “just for fun and personal satisfaction”. “I have received positive response from netizens who think I have the potential to become a famous singer. “Busking is just a hobby. Plus, I already have a permanent job and I am comfortable with the way things are,” added Roy, who enjoys performing rock songs from the 90s. – Bernama

o Lawyer establishes organisation to assist victims understand rights, recognise abuse and take action

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

workshops, she has helped many to understand their rights, recognise signs of abuse and take action. Nithiya told theSun she is proud of the impact her movement has had on families who reached out to say her workshops helped them identify abuse, seek help and protect their loved ones. “When someone says: ‘I know how to protect my child today because of your programme,’ it reinforces why this work is so important.” Beyond advocacy, Nithiya believes in empowering individuals through self-defence. Having earned her Taekwondo black belt in 2002, she has over the years conducted martial arts classes for students and promotes it as a crucial skill for children to defend themselves against assailants. In recognition of her socio-legal contributions, she was selected as the first Malaysian to speak at the Women in Parliament Conclave in New Delhi in 2023, at which she addressed gender equality in decision making, the challenges women face and the need for greater political participation and support. She also received the Women Icon of the Year Award in 2022. “The award represents the voices of all the abuse survivors whom I fought for and pushed me to do more for those in need. “No matter how hard things can sometimes get, we must always remember that hardships do not define us. They prepare us for something better, so we should never

PETALING JAYA: Many may see hardships as a setback, but for lawyer, activist and sexual abuse survivor Dr Nithiya Thiahhan, 40, it is the foundation of her fight for justice. Having lost her father at the age of eight, and growing up in rural Bandar Tenggara in Kota Tinggi, Johor, she was raised by a single mother and witnessed how legal and social systems often failed the vulnerable. “This realisation fuelled my determination to pursue law as a profession and turn it into a tool to advance change,” she said, adding that she has seen too many suffer in silence. Nithiya was determined to speak for the voiceless. She excelled in her legal studies and was called to the Malaysian Bar in July 2010. Over the past 14 years, she built a career focusing on family law, child custody and corporate consultancy. “I studied law to obtain justice for those who have nowhere else to go, but what I learnt along the way was that justice is more than legal representation. It is about education, awareness and causing real societal change.” It was this realisation that led her to establish the Child Guard Malaysia Volunteer Movement in 2016, which is an initiative dedicated to child protection and advocacy. By convening nationwide

Nithiya rides her BMW S1000RR motorcyle to destress, build resilience and connect with like-minded communities. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

injustice, support the vulnerable and never underestimate what a single voice can do. Together, we can build a safer and more compassionate world.” So is Nithiya just consumed with work and nothing else? “Oh no. I have been a motorcycle enthusiast since I was 17 years old when I was drawn to the sense of freedom and adventure that big bikes present. “What started as a hobby is now a way to destress and challenge myself, build resilience and connect with like-minded communities. “Big biking is more than just a sport for me. It symbolises independence and personal strength, much like my work in advocacy and martial arts.”

stop speaking up or allow fear to silence us.” Nithiya said talking about abuse is still taboo in many communities and Malaysians must change this narrative as silence protects the abuser and not the victim. She said one of the biggest challenges is ensuring survivors, especially those in underserved areas, have access to better infrastructure, trained professionals and stronger community networks. She hopes to expand her initiative, collaborate with international organisations and implement sustainable programmes that uplift marginalised communities through education and empowerment. “Every person has the power to initiate change. Stand up against

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