Kuala lumpur: A teenager's long wait to meet his biological mother ended in an emotional reunion at Kampung Padang Limau, Karangan, near here today. Muhammad Sihat Abu Bakar, 18, could not hold back his tears upon seeing his mother, Siti Maryah Ahmad, 51, for the first time since they were separated when he was just two years old.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Muhammad, the youngest of five siblings, was initially raised by his paternal grandmother in Sungai Petani. After her passing when he was six, he was cared for by his father and stepmother in Pekan, Pahang. Despite the challenges, Muhammad decided to live independently to focus on his studies while preparing for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) last year.
The teenager expressed gratitude for the support he received from teachers at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tengku Abdullah in Pekan, Pahang, and assistance from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which enabled him to sit for SPM. He worked part-time during school holidays to support himself, but his desire to find his mother never faded, especially as he sought her blessing and necessary documents to further his studies.
Siti Maryah expressed happiness and relief upon reuniting with her son, saying she previously did not know where to find him. She mentioned she has five children, but one has passed away.
A representative from the Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF), Suhaila Che Ismail, noted that the reunion was facilitated with the help of several parties, including Wanita UMNO information chief Datuk Rosni Zahari, Wanita UMNO Padang Serai chief Datuk Marlia Abd Latiff, and Bukit Aman Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division (D7) principal assistant director SAC Datuk Mohamad Farouk Eshak.
Muhammad Sihat has been selected to participate in the YEF MSIA Intervention Programme 2026, a preparatory programme before university entry. Suhaila mentioned that Muhammad aspires to study Sports Science and hopes his dream of becoming a lecturer will come true.
The YEF MSIA Intervention Programme 2026 aims to empower youth through personal development, character building, and skills training. Suhaila expressed gratitude to everyone involved in locating Muhammad's mother and supporting him, hoping he will become a role model for B40 youths striving for success.