KUALA LUMPUR: Police have reassured the public that cases involving missing persons nationwide are under control.
Federal police Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said his department has never closed or stopped any missing persons or 'Orang Hilang' cases that have yet to be found.
"As the Inspector-General of Police, the Home Minister and myself have often said before, these cases are under control and there is no cause for concern.
"If there are any family members, relatives or acquaintances who suspect criminal acts related to missing persons, they are requested to make a police report as soon as possible.
"There is no need to wait for 24 hours to do so," he said after launching the Behavioural Science Course at the Police Academy at Cheras on Wednesday.
He said he had instructed all CID officers and personnel to act immediately especially on any missing persons cases involving children.
"This is because in the first hour of the case it is very important for us to act.
"Even in half an hour all kinds of things can happen and that is important for us to act quickly," he said.
He commended the Johor police who managed to save a six-year-old child, Albertine Leo Jia Hui, who was rescued at a hotel in Batang Kali on 23 July.
Albertine was reported missing around 8.30pm on July 21, during a Japanese cultural festival at Eco Galleria, Johor Baru.
The case was later classified as a kidnapping case and five individuals, including a man who was the main mastermind behind Albertine's escape, were arrested.