13-month-old weighs more than five-year-old child

TAMPIN - While most babies at his age are starting to learn to walk, 13-month-old Kyairiel Mikhail Khairul Syafiq is still struggling to maintain head control.

Weighing a hefty 17kg, with a height of 81cm, he is believed to suffer from overgrowth syndrome, which has caused rapid weight gain. His weight has ballooned to 17.6kg, about 3kg heavier than his five-year-old brother.

His father, Khairul Syafiq Nor Azmi, 27, said Kyairiel was warded for lung infection and seizure attacks when he was a mere 25 days.

"At first, we thought it was common seizures but it grew more intense. He began having as many as eight seizure attacks a day."

Kyairiel also suffers from visual impairment and his hefty size prevents him from moving normally like other babies.

"We can only put him in a prone position. When he is tired of lying down, he would cry to be picked up and we would try to help him sit with support," said Khairul.

He said his wife, Yusnurlina Mohd Yusof, 25, had to quit her job as a sales promoter here to take care of Kyairiel as he needed special attention.

The couple also have a 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter.

Earning only RM1,000 (S$380) a month as a salesman at a hypermarket here, Khairul said he has to borrow money from his family or relatives every month to raise Kyairiel.

"We spent about RM400 monthly on special diapers for him.

"We also have to rent a car at least once a week for his appointment at Kuala Lumpur Hospital," he said, adding that he normally takes Kyairiel to Tuanku Jaafar Hospital or a nearby health clinic on his motorcycle.

While doctors have not determined the actual cause for Kyairiel's condition, he said they were told that it could be a rare case which only occurs in three out of 1,000 babies.

The family is hoping for a generous donor to get a special stroller for Kyairiel.

Those who wish to contribute can contact the couple at 017-6614810.