KOTA KINABALU: In a dramatic turn of events, a young girl who sparked a full-scale search operation after running away from home following a quarrel over a pair of shoes in the Kota Belud district has been found safe. The 11-year-old, who was reported missing by her parents on Sunday (July 9), was located by concerned villagers at Kg Dudar around 9.30pm on Monday (July 10).
According to firemen, the girl had opted to stay hidden and refused to return home after fleeing the scene of the argument. It was only when she grew tired and hungry that she decided to come out of hiding. The fight leading up to her disappearance was reported to have taken place between the girl and her 10-year-old sister over a pair of shoes.
Her parents had scolded her, leading her to storm out of the house in a fit of anger. Kota Belud Fire Station Chief Muhammad Syazwan Latun revealed that this was not the girl’s first time running away following a quarrel or scolding, but it was the longest she had stayed away. Concerned for her safety, her father reached out for help after she failed to return home the next morning, fearing something had happened to her.
“This search was initiated after the father contacted us and informed us that she had not come back home. We were told that she had run away into the forest near their house on Sunday evening and returned at around 3.30am, but left again when she saw her family was present,” explained Chief Muhammad Syazwan Latun, shedding light on the situation.
Over 30 individuals including firemen, police, civil defence officials, and villagers actively participated in the search operation for the missing girl, highlighting the community’s dedication to ensuring her safety. Thankfully, her story has a happy ending with her safe return to her family.
ALSO READ: Search ongoing for Kota Belud girl, 11, who ran off after family quarrel
Credit: The Star : News Feed
