2007 06: Syabil Family holds ‘kenduri’ as abducted baby turns two

The Star online. News. Nation. Monday June 18, 2007

By TUNKU SHAHARIAH

SUNGAI PETANI: Mohamad Nor Syabil Syakirin Mohd Nordin, who caused a nationwide stir when he was whisked away from the Sungai Petani Hospital after he was born, is now a boisterous toddler who loves comics and sambal tumis.

He turns two tomorrow.

The baby, who made front-page news when he was abducted just 30 minutes after he was born, is the apple of his parents' eyes and a little celebrity in his neighbourhood.

The infant was reportedly carried out from the hospital in an overnight bag and was found in the home of a staff nurse four days later.

After a series of DNA tests, he was returned to couple Mohd Nordin Derais and Noryati Abu Bakar, both 35.

“Syabil is our miracle baby and I will always be grateful to Allah for his return,” said his doting mum, during a thanksgiving kenduri at their home in Lorong Sri Tanjung, Sungai Layar here on Saturday.

“Syabil is very active, loves to talk and, like me, enjoys spicy food,” added Noryati, as she fondly watched the child play with brothers Mohamad Nursyazuan, 12, and Mohamad Nursyamil, seven.

The little boy may not be aware of the adventure he went through but a thick file awaits him when he is old enough to read, said Nordin.

“My wife and I have compiled all the newspaper cuttings on his abduction and his reunion with us,” said the store assistant.

The family has also set up a trust fund for Syabil, from donations by well-wishers during the harrowing time the baby went missing.

The boy's case generated so much public interest that there was even a poll to name him.
The family named him Syabil, from the Arabic word that means, “the stars shine on the grateful.”

For them, Syabil is the star that glows in the family.