KUALA MUDA: Differences in race and religion have done little to weaken the bond between Nur Najihah Muhaimin, 35, and T Avieenya, 33, whose friendship has lasted 13 years.
Despite living far apart, Nur Najihah, affectionately known as Jea, and Avieenya, or Vinya, remain close and consider each other family.
A TikTok video showed Jea, who lives in Gurun, Kedah, picking up her three-month-old son, Umar, from Vinya’s home in Teluk Intan, Perak, after her friend had looked after him.
Jea, who works for a corporate company, said she had recently spent time with Vinya, who offered to look after her three-month-old son, Umar Alejandro Ahmad Qusairi, with help from her mother so that Jea could rest.
“I was visiting my family in Teluk Intan at the time, so I met up with Vinya.
“After we went out, Vinya told me to go home and get some rest. She said she and her mother could help look after Umar.
“Vinya did not ask for any payment. She simply wanted to help. I shared the video on TikTok as a keepsake.
“I never expected it to attract so much attention, with most people leaving positive comments,” she said.
Jea said their friendship began when they worked at neighbouring premises in Bandar Baru Teluk Intan.
At the time, Jea was working as a coordinator at the Ummah Education Centre, while Vinya’s father owned a photography shop next door.
Their friendship grew naturally, and Jea said she now regarded Vinya as part of her family.
She said Vinya had also joined her in various community initiatives organised through non-governmental organisations, including Buku Jalanan Teluk Intan, Sukarelawan Aspirasi Teluk Intan and Wanita Muda Amanah Perak.
“I used to live in Teluk Intan, and whenever there was a programme, Vinya would join me if she was free.
“She was also actively involved in Buku Jalanan Teluk Intan and our Ramadan picnics, which have been organised since 2013.
“We have shared so many memories. Among the activities we took part in was distributing flowers during the Maal Hijrah celebrations.”
Jea described Vinya as one in a million and said she deeply valued their friendship.
“It is not just Vinya. I have also grown close to her family, especially her parents.
“Her mother has invited me to their home for Deepavali, and Vinya has even bought me a sari to wear for the celebration.
“I hope our friendship lasts for many more years, that we will always be there for each other during difficult times and continue creating wonderful memories together,” she said.