Heroic carnival-goers in Malaysia save woman in distress using “Signal for Help” hand gesture

MALAYSIA: In a recent heart wrenching incident, a woman found herself in dire need of help amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the Kaboom Karnival in Petaling Jaya.

She resorted to a silent cry for assistance that was nothing short of ingenious.

Alarming cases of abuse prompt brave act at Kaboom Karnival

A TikTok sensation, “hazrulhaliliceokaw”, shared a gripping video on 11 September that showcased a woman’s subtle plea for help amid the bustling carnival backdrop.

@hazrulhaliliceokaw

Help gesture yg ramai masih tak tahu. Tahniah semua yg membantu mangsa. Semoga dipermudahkan urusan & harap keluarga mangsa kuat dgn ujian ni. Hero yg sebenar @shotlawei 😁 #womensrights #fyp #fypシ #xyzbca #kesdera #kaboomkarnival #pdrm #signalforhelp #sos

♬ Haruman Terindah – ꧁ 𝑹.𝒌𝒂𝒚_𝑶𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 ꧂

Initially, she blended in with the crowd in front of a sales booth, desperately trying to escape the watchful eyes of her abusive boyfriend, who was lurking nearby.

However, her distress signals didn’t go unnoticed, thanks to the keen observation of the TikTok user, who was setting up his sales booth.

He discerned the telltale signs of abuse, noticing the woman’s visible bruises and injuries.

Driven by compassion, the TikTok influencer approached the distressed woman, and she bravely confided in him about her harrowing ordeal.

She revealed that she had been subjected to abuse while her assailant was under the influence of drugs, enduring captivity and scalding with hot water.

Quick to respond to the dire situation, the TikTok user wasted no time in contacting the local authorities and enlisting the support of the Kaboom Karnival staff to apprehend the suspect.

The suspect, in a desperate bid to evade justice, attempted to flee but was thwarted by the carnival crew, buying crucial time for the police to arrive and secure the victim’s rescue.

In a subsequent video post, the TikTok influencer was seen at the police station, providing a statement regarding the incident.

The victim’s father expressed heartfelt gratitude to the TikTok user and all parties involved for their courageous intervention in reporting the crime and successfully apprehending the perpetrator.

Meanwhile, the influencer seized the opportunity to impart an essential message to the public—stand up for your rights if you ever find yourself a victim of domestic violence.

Online outpouring of support

The viral video documenting this heroic act has garnered more than 530 thousand views, sparking a wave of commendation and appreciation from netizens.

Many lauded the TikTok influencer for his vigilance and swift action in coming to the aid of the victim.

In a testament to the impact of the video, countless individuals expressed their gratitude for being educated about the “Signal for Help” hand gesture, as it became evident that many were unaware of this lifesaving symbol.

One netizen even suggested that this essential hand gesture should be incorporated into school curricula.

“Signal for Help”: a lifesaving gesture

The “Signal for Help” is a vital tool designed to aid those experiencing gender-based violence, pioneered by the Canadian Women’s Foundation.

“Signal For Help” (Photo: Canadian Women’s Foundation)

This simple, one-handed gesture can be discreetly used to communicate the need for someone to check in and provide support, leaving no digital trace behind.

Instances where victims of abuse employ hand signals during emergencies or discreetly ask for help are sadly prevalent.

It is imperative that society at large is aware of this signal, as it can be a lifeline for those in distress, whether in the digital or physical realm.

If you encounter the “Signal for Help,” remember to:

1. Reach out to the person safely.
2. Provide support by acknowledging their experience, lending a compassionate ear, and allowing them to communicate their needs.
3. Offer referrals to services or resources as necessary.

In cases of immediate danger, always call your local emergency services (police, fire, ambulance).