KUANTAN: The Form Five student who was missing for eight days in Bentong before being found on July 22 had a history of running away from home, having previously done so twice.
Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman confirmed that Nur Aina Faqihah Shahrizan, 17, had previously left home but always returned safely.
Her recent disappearance on July 15 prompted significant concern from her family, leading them to file a police report on July 17.
"Nur Aina Faqihah has been found safe and in good health. There was no evidence of foul play or kidnapping, and she has been reunited with her family. We are currently recording her statement as she appears to be traumatised by the incident. We will allow her some time to recover before conducting further questioning," he told reporters at the Pahang police contingent headquarters.
Yahaya earlier conferred the Deputy Superintendent promotion pin on seven police officers who previously held the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police and awarded this year's Excellent Service Awards (APC).
Yahaya said that Nur Aina Faqihah was discovered in Triang, Bera, approximately 110km from Bentong.
She was found near the Triang bus station by members of the public who recognised her and took her to the nearest police station.
The investigation revealed that she might have followed a friend to Bera.
"We are investigating how she ended up in Triang and the identity of the individual she was with. We will also look into where she stayed after leaving her home in Bentong. Her statement will help us complete our investigation," he added.
Nur Aina Faqihah, who lives in Kampung Lama, Lurah Bilut, Bentong, was last seen leaving her house at around 9.30pm on July 15 before being located in Triang on July 22.
In a separate matter, Yahaya said that the search for Rosdan Mat, 52, who went missing in Mela, Lipis on June 28, had been scaled down.
Despite ongoing efforts, search teams have not discovered new leads, apart from a red necklace with beads believed to belong to Rosdan, who has mental health issues.
Rosdan was reported missing by his brother-in-law, Adnan Mat Isa, 52, who could not find him at his house in Kampung Redan on the morning of June 28 before filing a police report.
Yahaya said that Pahang received 27 missing persons reports between January and June this year, with 10 cases still under investigation.