Average of 2 kids reported missing daily from 2020 to September 2024

PARLIAMENT | Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail revealed that the trend of reported missing children in Malaysia has remained consistent at an average of two cases per day.

During the Minister’s Question Time session at the Dewan Rakyat, Saifuddin shared that a total of 3,847 missing child cases were reported from 2020 to September 2024, averaging 770 cases annually.

“Of the 3,847 reported cases, the police have successfully located 96 percent of the children.

“This means that for every 100 missing children, 96 are found, while 10 of those who were found were discovered deceased. The remaining cases are still classified as missing,” he explained in response to a question from Muhammad Ismi Mat Taib (PN-Parit).

Saifuddin added that 792 missing children cases were reported in 2020, with the number decreasing to 594 in 2021.

However, cases surged to 902 in 2022 before dropping to 779 in 2023. As of September, 780 cases have been reported this year.

Teens go missing most often

He further elaborated that around 74 percent of the missing children were female.

“As for age groups, the age group between 13 and 15 accounts for 54 percent (of children reported missing), followed by 37 percent between 16 and 18 years old,” he said.

Saifuddin explained that the primary reasons children go missing include seeking freedom, following friends or romantic partners, and family misunderstandings.

“Understanding these causes has helped the police, particularly the D11 unit, to tailor their efforts better. These efforts are divided into three phases: before the incident, after a report is made, and post-incident,” he said.

In collaboration with the Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry, he said that his ministry has conducted awareness programmes for children and women, targeting the at-risk teenage group.

“For the record, this year alone, we’ve conducted 457 awareness programmes, reaching 141,000 children,” he noted.

He added that the ministries are focussing their awareness programme on Selangor, Kedah, and Johor, as these states have reported the highest number of missing children cases.

Don’t wait, report immediately

When a child goes missing, Saifudin explained that the government activates its immediate response mechanisms, including the NUR Alert system, which shares information about the missing child as widely as possible.

“If such an incident occurs - and I hope it doesn’t - don’t wait more than 24 hours to report it, as this involves children. Report it immediately,” he urged.

He said once a missing child is found, the authorities will profile both the child and the family while providing moral and psychological support to those affected.

Responding to Ismi’s question about the government’s efforts to reduce the number of missing children cases, Saifuddin said that there are enough laws and policies in place to handle the matter.

He reiterated that 96 percent of children reported missing were found, which showed that the NUR Alert system works.

The home minister added that some missing children cases have led to rape investigations under Sections 305 or 306 of the Penal Code and, in some cases, Section 302 for murder.

“Therefore, I believe the current laws and Penal Code are sufficient. We need to focus on increasing awareness, especially among parents and families,” he concluded.

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