This joyful reaction reflects the happiness of Ali Jais’ family who received news of his whereabouts less than 24 hours after news related to his family’s search was reported by Bernama.

Thanks to the Malaysia-Singapore Border Crossers Facebook page which has 72,000 members, his youngest daughter Khazimah Ali’s search message made this quick reunion possible.

Ali, 84, who has been separated from his three children for the past 20 years, is now safe at the Bukit Batok Home for the Aged here.

The children believed that he had been in Singapore all these years, based on checks with the Malaysian immigration department a few years ago.

“Alhamdulillah Abah is in good health. I was informed that Abah remembers all our names. When he was asked the children’s names, he remembered all of them,” said his eldest daughter Hasliza Ali, who contacted Bernama to convey the good news.

Hasliza, 41, said the care home also confirmed her father’s identity through a copy of his identity card that she had in her possession.

“According to the home, Abah remembers us … it is just that he did not know how to contact us,” she said with tears of joy.

The only photo of her father that she kept was also appended in the posting.

“Someone informed me early this afternoon (Nov 16) via WhatsApp about Abah’s presence. I informed my eldest sister who immediately contacted the care centre,” said Khazimah, 37.

The youngest daughter has expressed her hope to celebrate Aidilfitri for the first time with him next year.