BACHOK: The late mother of Muhammad Syahril Saidi, an exceptional 18-year-old student who scored 11As in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, was buried today.
Faridah Ismail, 54, was laid to rest at a cemetery in Kampung Padang Lati here. More than 50 family members and relatives attended the funeral, which ended about 11.30am.
Syahril was accompanied by his grandmother Zainab Othman, 58, during the final rites. Also present were representatives from the district education office and Bachok member of parliament Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman.
When approached by reporters, Syamil said he accepted his mother's death as a test from Allah.
"Saya reda umi pergi buat selama-lamanya (I accept that mother has left us forever)," he said briefly.
The youngest of six siblings looked sad, and did not wish to talk too much to reporters who waited for him since the funeral began at about 10am.
Zainab said his grandson told her that he was happy that he could take care of his mother when she was sick.
"He and his siblings lost their father seven years ago and since then, they have been relying on each other.
"Since their mother fell sick, they spent their time taking care of their mother, but it was Syahril who will be by her side most of the time."
Faridah, who had been bedridden since 2019, died about 8.45pm last night.
Syahril's story went viral when he could not pick up his SPM results as he was caring for his bedridden mother.
This led to his teachers at Sekolah Menengah Ugama (A) Darul Iman, Beris Lalang going o his home to deliver his outstanding exam results.