Just one day earlier, in Jeram, Selangor, a man abducted two girls, aged eight and six, purportedly to keep him company as he ran errands. He dropped them both off at their home later that day to the relief of family members.
Thankfully, the victims in both cases have been reunited with their families.
Meanwhile, their perpetrators have been arrested, investigated and charged. Many other victims, however, have not been as fortunate.
In 2007 the body of Nurin Jazlin Jazimin, was found in a gym bag in Petaling Jaya. Her abduction, rape and murder, unfortunately, remains a cold case.
Jazlin’s case was a wake-up call for parents, who were suddenly faced with the unsettling reality that their neighbourhoods were no longer safe.
Following the recent incidents, Bukit Aman criminal investigation department director Shuhaily Zain has urged parents and guardians to monitor their children’s activities and stay vigilant of their surroundings.
Although the number of missing persons cases has been on the rise, they are not yet cause for concern, he said.
FMT spoke to two child activists to find out how parents and society can help prevent similar kidnappings from taking place.
Forge closer community ties
James Nayagam of Suriana Welfare Society said there is an urgent need for residents to establish stronger bonds in their local communities.
He said kidnappings have been less common in rural areas where communities are more tightly knit. In contrast, he said, families in urban areas often suffer from social isolation.
“In cities, people often don’t engage in their neighbours’ affairs. It’s a matter of ‘you mind your business, and I’ll mind mine’. Even at the playground, it’s ‘your child is your child, my child is my child’.
“There is no sense of looking out for each other. Communities need to foster a sense of neighbourliness and mutual care,” said Nayagam.
Childline Foundation executive director Wong Poai Hong agreed, saying a robust community support system among neighbours is essential to curb the threat of child abductions.
“It is also essential for communities, schools and public spaces to be designed with children’s safety in mind,” said Wong.
Nayagam suggested that neighbourhood watch groups, such as the Rukun Tetangga, work with the police to enhance child safety measures.
Keep an eye on your kids, even online
He also urged parents to exercise greater supervision of their children’s activities. He said unsupervised children who interact with strangers, both on and offline, are especially at risk.
“In other countries, reminders for parents are typically displayed on milk cartons and even on billboards. So, parents are constantly reminded of what could happen to their children.
“Prevention is always better than cure,” he added.
Wong advised parents to have regular conversations with their children about personal safety and teach them when and how to seek help.
“It’s not enough to react after a crime has occurred. We must focus on prevention and creating safer environments,” she said.