THE issue of missing children in Malaysia has become increasingly common, especially among girls, especially with statistics from Bukit Aman’s Sexual, Women and Child Investigation Division (D11) which paints a worrisome picture.
According to data, girls represent 73.6% of all reported missing children in 2024, with many aged between 13 and 18.
However, Beliawanis MCA national chairperson Ivone Low Yi Wen noted that before placing the blame solely on criminal activity, other factors that could contribute to the issue must be considered as well.
“Cases of missing children are complex, and the high number of missing girls may be linked to deeper societal problems,” she pointed out.
“Society often imposes strict expectations on girls regarding their behaviour, appearance, and lifestyle, leaving many feeling misunderstood or unsupported.
“Families that enforce rigid standards – such as how girls should behave or dress – can unintentionally push them away, creating a sense of distrust.
“Without emotional support, many young girls seek validation elsewhere, often from individuals who seem to understand their struggles but are, in fact, criminals looking to exploit them.”
Citing activists Datuk Dr Hartini Zainudin who argued that societal pressures, along with risks of exploitation and family neglect, contribute to the rising number of girls running away from homes, as well as Dr James Nayagam who suggested that factors such as school absenteeism and problematic romantic relationships also play a role in missing children, Low said these pressures, combined with family expectations, often push girls to seek independence or escape oppressive rules.
“Once children leave the safety of their homes, they become vulnerable, regardless of their gender or age,” she warned.
“While gender-based expectations affect both girls and boys, the impact is different. Boys, for instance, may internalise toxic masculinity, leading to the underreporting of missing boys.
“Their disappearances are often seen as rebellion rather than a cry for help, whereas girls are viewed as vulnerable and in need of protection.”
Calling for parents to break the cycle of misunderstanding and mistreatment of children, Low further stressed that it is time for the society to rethink the pressures placed on children and ensure that they feel supported and heard instead of trapped and neglected.
“Only then can we prevent situations where these feelings lead to children disappearing from our lives,” she added. – Dec 27, 2024
