KOTA BARU: After living in Malaysia for three years, Muhammad Alamin Abu Bakar, known lovingly as Mat, embarked on an emotional journey back to Nigeria last Friday.
His departure, leaving behind his second home at the tender age of 14, was a bittersweet moment that tugged at the heartstrings of his closest friends and neighbours, who reluctantly bid him farewell through teary eyes and heavy hearts.
Mat's story gained attention after Mazlan Mustafa, 59, a retired public assistant at Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital (HUSM), posted a video of their last memories together before the teenager returned to his homeland.
Sharing the story behind the video, Mazlan said he got to know Mat after the teenager moved from Nigeria to his housing estate in Bandar Kubang Kerian.
"We were neighbours, and Mat came here following his father, who worked as a lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK).
"When he first arrived, Mat couldn't speak Malay and would chat with his friends in English.
"But I asked his friends, who often played with him, to get used to speaking in Malay with him.
"In just a year, he had not only mastered the language but also the Kelantanese dialect because he often played football and was diligent in coming to the surau at night. Mat was a quick learner, which helped him become fluent," he said when contacted by Harian Metro.
Mazlan's voice softened with nostalgia as he recalled the countless memories he and Mat had woven together.
"We shared many moments– taking Mat on outings, savouring meals together where he was never fussy about food choices and always willing to try new dishes."
"Initially, he was shy, but as he grew accustomed to us, Mat blossomed into a warm and helpful young man. He would help at the surau and even assisted with the call to prayer, so his departure is a significant loss for us," Mazlan shared.
Before bidding farewell, Mazlan took Mat and his friends out for a meal before sending him to the airport.
"After eating, I gave him a jersey and football boots as gifts, and Mat was crying.
"His friends also gave him gifts like bags, watches and clothes. They were sad that day; they were cheerful initially but silent during the journey home after sending Mat to the airport.
"I was also emotional, but the bond we formed will not break as we will continue to stay in touch with Mat despite the distance.
"Mat also said that he wants to return to Malaysia to continue his studies if he gets the opportunity, so we hope that Allah SWT will allow us to meet again," he said.