KUALA LUMPUR: Over 20,000 people, a majority of those below 18, have gone missing in Malaysia over the past decade, according to police statistics.
And nearly 60% of the total missing persons are female, raising serious concerns about the safety of the nation’s youth.
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“A total of 21,722 individuals were reported missing nationwide from 2014 to 2024.
“Of this, 13,969, or 64.3%, were under the age of 18. The majority of those who went missing were females (12,882),” Bukit Aman deputy Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Deputy Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus (pic, below) told The Star.
More worryingly, among those under 18, the largest group of missing individuals during this period was in the 13-to-15-year-old category, totalling 7,426 children.
“The second highest is the 16 to 17 age group (5,561); followed by 7-12 (785); and those below seven years of age (197),” DCP Fadil noted.
In the 18 and above category, the highest number of missing persons were in the 21-25 age group (1,219); followed by 18-20 (1,195); and those aged 61 and above (1,015).
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According to police, the state with the most cases of children reported missing in the past 10 years was Selangor (2,101); followed by Johor (1,952); and Kedah (1,493).
However, there is some good news: DCP Fadil said that 98% of cases involving individuals under 18 have been resolved.
“Out of 13,779 cases, 13,726 were found alive, with the remaining deceased.
“For those aged 18 and above, 6,653 cases, or 85.8%, have been resolved, with 6,025 individuals (90.6%) found alive,” he added.
DCP Fadil said the number of missing person cases involving those under 18 showed a 36% increase last year compared to the previous year, mostly among those aged 13 to 15.
He said the reasons for children going missing include running away from home in search of freedom, family problems, accidents, or falling victim to crime.
Meanwhile, for those aged 18 and above, there was a 22% increase in missing cases in 2024 compared to 2023.
“Misunderstandings between family members have been identified as one of the main factors leading to individuals running away.
“Other factors include escaping from money lenders, mental health issues, and accidents,” said DCP Fadil.
He emphasised that collaboration between law enforcement agencies, community organisations, and the public is vital to reducing the number of missing person cases.
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“Through cooperation, we are able to share resources and expertise. There needs to be greater awareness of personal safety in schools to teach individuals about potential risks and how to stay safe,” he said.
DCP Fadil also pointed out that technological solutions, such as social media awareness campaigns, tracking applications, and emergency alert systems, are among the ways to address missing person cases in the country.
“Providing counselling, rehabilitation, and reintegration programmes for at-risk individuals is also important,” he added.
