A recent TikTok post by user @riz_creative.dev went viral after it highlighted a concerning situation at the Lotus Supermarket in Kota Bharu. The now-deleted video showed a person, believed to be a young child, dressed in a frog mascot costume, entertaining people in the supermarket's parking lot.

The video captured a touching yet troubling moment when a young boy approached the mascot and offered some donation money. The mascot, who appeared to be taking a break while seated on a bench, caught the attention of TikTok user Riz, who expressed his sympathy and concern for the child.

According to Riz, the idea of a child working in such conditions, possibly to earn a living, was deeply upsetting. He questioned whether the child was being exploited by irresponsible individuals seeking to profit from the situation.

"Children should not be left without a guardian or be exploited. I'm sorry, kid, abang doesn't have any money. I only have chocolates and snacks," Riz said in the video.

He also pointed out the unbearable heat in the parking area, which made the situation even more worrying.

"Hours in this heat, wearing the frog (mascot) costume, on top of that, in a shopping centre's parking garage. I'm already sweating just wearing a t-shirt in this dry season," he added.

Riz went on to urge relevant authorities, including the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), to take action and monitor such activities involving children.

"Hopefully, this kid isn't trapped in the grip of a syndicate or suffering silently," he said, raising concerns about the possibility of the child being a victim of organised exploitation or neglect.

The video has sparked an emotional response online, with many users expressing sorrow and outrage over the child's apparent need to beg for donations. Several commenters also urged the public not to support such acts, especially when it could potentially enable the exploitation of children.

The incident has once again brought attention to the ongoing issue of child exploitation in public spaces, prompting calls for stronger enforcement and protection for vulnerable minors.