KUALA LUMPUR: Exam stress from preparing for his A-Levels may have driven 17-year-old British teenager David Balisong to flee to Malaysia.
His mother, Minerva Balisong, 51, said her eldest son had not shown any obvious changes in behaviour, though he had become more withdrawn in recent months.
“He is such a good child, so when this happened, it was a huge shock.
“I think he was under pressure with his exams as every student is during exam season though each has their own way of coping.
“I believe coming to Malaysia to clear his mind was the path he chose,” she told Buletin TV3 in an exclusive interview today.
She added that David had no relatives or acquaintances in Malaysia.
The family had tried reaching him via his mobile phone after he was reported missing, but without success.
“Since the day he was reported missing, his phone has been switched off. We also sent him several messages and emails.
“But giving up was never an option, because only parents would go to the ends of the earth to find their child,” she said.
At the same time, Minerva expressed her gratitude to all those involved in locating her son.
“Thank you to all Malaysians, including the authorities, for your efforts in this search.
“I also want to extend special thanks to the person who reported finding him. You did the right and brave thing,” she said, fighting back tears.
Yesterday, the teenager who had been reported missing since June 7, was found safe by police at a hotel near Jalan Pudu.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
