An 18-year-old Malaysian girl has been reported missing after leaving her family home in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, sparking fears that she could have fallen victim to human trafficking syndicates. The teenager, identified as Hu Yi En, was last seen around 9pm when she left her residence in a red sedan, bringing along clothes and her passport.
Her mother, Madam Jiang, revealed to local reporters that her daughter is usually quiet and cheerful, making the sudden disappearance all the more shocking for the family. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of young women and the prevalence of “pig butchering” scams, where victims are lured overseas with false promises before being trafficked.
According to Madam Jiang, neighbours spotted the red car but were unable to identify its licence plate. In a desperate attempt to find clues, she is currently reviewing CCTV footage in the neighbourhood to gather information about the vehicle and those involved.
Family Fears Daughter May Be Lured Into Dangerous Scam
Madam Jiang, who works at a factory, shared that her daughter’s abrupt departure was completely unexpected, as she had a good relationship with her parents and siblings. Just two months ago, the family enjoyed a holiday together in Hat Yai, Thailand, where there were no signs of distress or conflict.
However, Madam Jiang noted that her daughter has a boyfriend who works in Singapore, and the couple had a disagreement about three weeks ago. This led the worried mother to suspect that the dispute or the boyfriend himself might have played a role in her daughter’s decision to leave suddenly.
She added, “I’ve contacted her boyfriend, and he is also deeply concerned, fearing that she may have been tricked or coerced into leaving.”
Police Report Filed As Search Intensifies
Unable to sleep out of worry, Madam Jiang lodged a missing persons report at the Bukit Mertajam police station shortly after midnight. The police have since begun investigations, and community members have joined efforts to locate the missing teenager.
Hu Yi En is described as a slim, short-haired young woman, approximately 163 centimetres tall and weighing about 49 kilograms. Her family is urging anyone with information about her whereabouts or the red car seen taking her to contact the authorities immediately.
This heartbreaking case highlights the increasing risks faced by young people and the importance of parental vigilance. It also underscores the dangers of online relationships and scams that prey on vulnerable individuals, often with devastating consequences.