KUALA LUMPUR, August 1 -Negligence is one of the causes of missing person cases among children, teenagers and women in this country whether involving planned abductions or otherwise.

Independent Criminologist Expert, Shahul Hamid Abd Rahim said that negligence occurs not only at the parental level but also among teenagers and adults.

“Negligence for children is parental negligence and negligence for adults and teenagers are their own feelings, perhaps arguing with their boyfriend and so on. However, there are also teenagers who argue with their parents.”

“Maybe their parents are angry, argue and chase them out and they disappear without being able to be traced by anyone. This is happening right now in our country and it is very serious as most cases end in death,” said Shahul Hamid Abd Rahim to an RTM reporter today.

He was interviewed after being a guest on the Selamat Pagi Malaysia programme, at Angkasapuri Kota Media.

Shahul Hamid Abd Rahim also advised parents to be more responsible in taking care of their children and to be aware of their surroundings to prevent missing persons cases from happening.

“My advice to the public, especially parents, is not to be too careless in taking care of their children. Be aware of the safety and whereabouts of your children in public places such as supermarkets.”

Parents or guardians are advised to immediately report missing children to the police if it happens.

They do not need to wait up to 24 hours to report their missing child because delays in making police reports are feared to lead to a victim's death.