KUALA LUMPUR – A total of 4,471 cases of missing children were reported from 2017 to September 1 this year, said Deputy Home Minister I Datuk Seri Ismail Mohamed Said.
He said based on police statistics, of the total, 4,399 kids were found, while the rest are still missing.
On missing persons aged 18 and above, he said 6,074 cases were reported in the same period. Of these individuals, 4,871 were found, while the rest remain missing.
“Among the measures taken by the government to address this problem was the setting up of a missing children portal,” he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara today.
“The portal provides an opportunity for the community to work together to track down missing children more quickly and effectively by channelling the latest information.”
He was replying to Senator Datuk Koh Nai Kwong, who asked for statistics on missing persons reported in the last five years, and the steps taken by the government to address the matter.
Police have collaborated with 40 other agencies under Nur Alert, an early warning system for cases of missing children, said Ismail.
“The force collaborates with various parties to organise awareness programmes as well, to prevent such cases from recurring.”
According to police investigations, he said, among the reasons for children going missing are family problems, seeking more freedom to be with friends or romantic partners, depression, mental health issues, and involvement in crime. – Bernama, October 11, 2021
