14-year-old clown loves bringing cheer to others

By: Patrick Beech

Following tutorials on YouTube, Muhammad Rafiuddin Naufal Mohd Nazron developed the skill in modelling balloons into various shapes.

This eventually led Muhammad Rafiuddin, who was only 11-years-old at the time to become a street entertainer.

After realising he has a knack for balloon crafts and entertaining, Muhammad Rafiuddin Naufal, now 14, then joined skills classes and formal training run by senior street performers to hone those skills.

He then joined Persatuan Seniman Badut Malaysia which opened more doors for him.

Often accompanied by his father, Mohd Nazron Wahih, 44, this teenage clown who is fondly known as 'Opal De Clown' did not feel awkward performing alongside other senior clowns with more experience in entertaining the crowd, especially children.

While other teenagers his age love music and games, Muhammad Rafiuddin Naufal is comfortable doing activities that are synonymous with children's interests, and he truly loves the sense of fulfilment he feels after making other people smile.

"My hard work pays off when I see people smile. When they are happy, I am delighted too.

"Among my unforgettable memories was when I entertained a group of disabled people at a restaurant. They patiently waited for me until I finished my last performance to take pictures with me because they were exhilarated by my show," he said.

When asked about his future plans, the Selangor native said he wants to become an art education teacher since the field is close to his heart, and he is genuinely passionate about becoming an educator. 

"But I will also continue to perform as a clown to entertain people," he said.