Abandoned teen, Firdaus released from hospital

Muhammad Firdaus Dullah, 15, who was found in a state of destitute, has been released from the children’s ward of Hospital Tuanku Jaafar (HTJ) today.

Negeri Sembilan Social Welfare Department director, Abdullah Hanapi said the special teen was released at 9.40am and brought to the Seremban magistrate's court to obtain a court order to allow the department temporary custody on the individual.

"Muhammad Firdaus will be placed in the Taman Sinar Harapan Tunku Ampuan Najihah, and in the meantime, the department will confirm if he will stay there permanently," he said.

Muhammad Firdaus was found in a state of severe neglect by the Immigration Department at Semarak Flat, Taman Semarak Fasa 2, Nilai on June 21.

Abdullah said while the teen is placed in temporary care, the department will try to locate Muhammad Firdaus' closest relatives who can look after him.

"If we can't find anyone then we must obtain a permanent court order to place the youth in Taman Sinar Harapan," he added.

Meanwhile, the total amount of donation collected for Muhammad Firdaus' Tabung Haji account is RM85,000.

HTJ Head of Dietetics, Basmawati Baharom said Muhammad Firdaus' condition has steadily improved.

"He is eating well. He doesn’t need special food anymore. He can eat vegetables and fruits. He now weighs 22kgs which means he has gained more than eight kilogrammes since he was admitted to this hospital," Basmawati said.

Negeri Sembilan Immigration director, Faizal Fazri Othman, who was the first person to find the teenager, expressed relief that Muhammad Firdaus' condition has improved by leaps and bound.

"I'm very happy with his progress," said Faizal.