![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/NoraQuoirinMissingInMalaysia080519a_large.jpg\")
The parents of an Irish teenager missing for almost a week in Malaysia have thanked teams taking part in a widespread search operation.<\/p>\nThe parents of an Irish teenager missing for almost a week in Malaysia have thanked teams taking part in a widespread search operation.<\/p>\n
Meabh and Sebastian Quoirin, whose 15-year-old daughter N\u00f3ra has been missing since last Sunday, said “terima kasih”, or “thank you” in Malay, to those searching for her.<\/p>\n
In a short speech, Ms Quoirin held back tears, as her husband stood beside her, rubbing her arm.<\/p>\n
In a video broadcast on local media, she said: “We want to say thank you to each and every one of you. We know you’re searching night and day for Nora.<\/p>\n
“We see you working so hard and also praying with us and being with us.<\/p>\n
“You have given up your time especially at a special festival time,” she said, referring to Hari Raya Haji, the Islamic “festival of sacrifice” celebrations.<\/p>\n
Ms Quoirin praised the dedication and expertise shown by those looking for Nora.<\/p>\n
“To be with us here, it means the world to us. We are so grateful for everything that you are doing for us, everyone who is helping here and not from here.<\/p>\n
“We are extremely impressed by the effort, your expertise, your dedication and we hope you find Nora.<\/p>\n
“And thank you so much and terima kasih,” she said.<\/p>\n
The Quoirins, an Irish-French family who have lived in London for 20 years, arrived in the Dusun forest eco-resort in southern Negeri Sembilan state a week ago.<\/p>\n
Nora, who has an Irish passport, was last seen on Sunday.<\/p>\n
The family fears their daughter, who was born with the brain defect holoprosencephaly and needs help with many aspects of everyday life, may have been abducted.<\/p>\n
Westlife, who performed in the country this week, asked their fans to help look for the missing teenager, the Malaysian Star publication reported.<\/p>\n
Posters of Nora flashed on giant screens before and during the concert before band member Nicky Byrne pleaded with the 7, 000-strong crowd to keep find her.<\/p>\n
“Help share (the poster) on social media. If you know anything about N\u00f3ra’s disappearance, come forward,” he said.<\/p>\n
“We are from the same country so this feels very close to us. We wish her family, who must be devastated, much love.<\/p>\n
“If you have any information, please go to the authorities,” Mr Byrne said.<\/p>\n
The family has said they remain hopeful after police leading the investigation refused to rule out a “criminal element”.<\/p>\n