2 Children Go Missing In Malaysia Every Day, Many Cases Involve Runaways With Lovers
74% of these cases involved young girls.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 08 May 2025, 02:14 PM
Children often run away from home due to a lack of parental love and care, peer pressure, romantic relationships, and the lure of a better life, say experts
According to the New Straits Times, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail revealed that an average of two children go missing every day, with a total of 3,847 cases reported from 2020 to September last year.
74% of these cases involved young girls, with 54% aged between 13 and 15.
Although 96 out of every 100 cases end with the missing children being found, many involve children who have voluntarily run away.
Child rights activist and former Human Rights Commission of Malaysia commissioner Dr James Nayagam said the influence of friends and romantic partners is among the main contributing factors, noting that many children run away out of defiance to parental control.
To address the issue, Nayagam said children need access to better education and counselling support.
He said awareness campaigns, such as educational roadshows and parent support groups, can help inform the public about the risks, warning signs of potential disappearances, and other underlying issues.
Adding to the discussion, social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said many children run away due to a lack of parental presence
He believes that weak parent-child relationships, coupled with a lack of guidance and supervision, could lead to negative peer influences that encourage children to run away.
"If you are under 18, you are still under parental control. Parents must set a good example, as children view them as role models.
"When children misbehave, it's important not to over-punish them. Instead, focus on creating a harmonious home environment by spending quality time with your children and showing love and care," the Alliance of Safety Community chairman said.
Lee said the most effective method to address the issue is for parents to directly confront the problem with their children and lead by example.
