IPOH, PERAK, Tues. After swimming across the Dindings Strait for charity, the Halim siblings now appear to have a new ocean to cross - that of instant fame and adulation.
Zahra Ma'soumah, 14, and Salman Ali Shariati Abdul Halim, 8, are being feted as heroes everywhere they go.
Students at SMK Convent broke into thunderous applause when Zahra walked in today, and for Salman, of Sekolah Rendah Agama Al-Hidayah, that marathon swim inspired his school to build two swimming pools.
Zahra's principal, Foo Ai Kia, described her success as timely as the school was celebrating its centennial next January. "This is a perfect retirement gift for me and I am glad the feat was achieved during my tenure as principal," said Foo, who retires next Friday."No words can describe my feelings when I saw Zahra emerge from the sea followed shortly by her brother."
Earlier, the school's entire student body broke into shouts and applause when Zahra walked into the quadrangle accompanied by her mother, Hanizah Mohamed.
Teacher Norfairuz Mohd Yusoff described Zahra as a focused and disciplined student who did not take advantage of her "special" status while training for the swim."She attended class like others and did not use her hectic training schedule as an excuse not to," Norfairuz said.
Classmates Nur Syafiqah Ahamad Sidek and Nurul Amal Yusuh said Zahra was a sociable and happy-go-lucky person.
Meanwhile, at Salman's school, principal Shaharuzzaman Bistaman announced two swimming pools would be built under the institution's 10-year master plan. He hoped the facility would produce more swimming talent. "We gave Salman our full support and allowed him to train during school days," he said, adding that replacement classes were held to ensure Salman did not fall behind in his schoolwork.
Shaharuzzaman said the boy would receive a special award, while the parent-teacher association would be rewarding him with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Salman and Zahra began their swim at 8.25am from Pulau Pangkor and waded ashore unaided at the Lumut waterfront at 12.05pm.
For their achievement, they were recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the youngest swimmers to cross the Dindings Strait.They also pledged a RM20,000 State Government award to charity.
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