SEREMBAN: Zawawi Tajudin, 49, the guardian of Fiffy Arnatasya Abdullah, who has been missing since June 28, has made a heartfelt plea for her safe return home.
Expressing deep concern over her disappearance, Zawawi who works as a carpenter in Kampung Terusan in Juasseh, has cared for her since she was a child until she turned 15.
He said the family was worried for her safety.
"Fiffy means a lot to us, and we hope she returns home soon," he said.
Currently under the care of the Bukit Baru Melaka Moral Care Centre, Fiffy had briefly returned to Kuala Pilah with a female friend from the same centre without informing the management.
"After spending a few days at home, her friend informed her about the centre's plan to pick her up, which prompted Fiffy to leave.
"Fiffy left home because she did not want to return to the centre," he said when contacted.
Zawai revealed that Fiffy, an orphan who lost her mother at three and never knew her father, was taken in by her uncle at 15 and later placed under the Social Welfare Department's care in Kuala Lumpur, eventually ending up at the Bukit Baru Melaka Moral Care Centre.
Despite the technical custody by the centre, Zawawi said that their emotional bond with Fiffy, prompted them to file a police report upon her disappearance.
Known affectionately as "abah" by Fiffy, Zawawi described her as a kind and intelligent child, adding that the family continued to search for her despite difficulties in reaching her through mobile phone or WhatsApp.
"While I want the best for Fiffy, I understand the importance of her being at the care centre until she turns 18," he said.
Earlier, Harian Metro reported that the police had requested public assistance to locate Fiffy, who was reported missing by her family in Kuala Pilah on June 28.
The teenager was last seen in Kampung Terusan, Juasseh, on June 27.
Fiffy has a light brown complexion, is approximately 150cm tall, and weighs around 45kg. She has straight, shoulder-length hair that is partially dyed brown.