Statistics and Profile of Missing Persons in Past Three Years and Preventive Measures in Place
Ministry of Home AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns missing person statistics and preventive measures, as raised by Mr Mohd Fahmi Aliman. Minister K Shanmugam reported 5,072 cases from 2019 to 2021, noting that 15% involved vulnerable persons such as children and the elderly. The Police prioritize these cases by establishing mental health facts and broadcasting lookout messages across their resources. Efforts include inter-agency collaboration with schools and hospitals, alongside public appeals for information. Minister K Shanmugam clarified that income levels are not tracked and welcomed further suggestions to enhance locating missing persons.
Transcript
6 Mr Mohd Fahmi Aliman asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) for each year of the past three years, what is the (i) number of missing persons, with the breakdown by age group, ethnicity and income level and (ii) proportion of vulnerable missing persons out of the total number of missing persons; (b) what is the Police's current approach in preventing and identifying missing persons; and (c) whether the Police will consider implementing additional measures to prevent and locate missing persons.
Mr K Shanmugam: There were 5072 missing persons reported to the Police over the past three years, from 2019 to 2021. Of these, about 15% were vulnerable persons, such as young children and elderly persons. Tables 1 and 2 contain a breakdown of the profile of missing persons by age group and ethnicity. We do not track the income level of reported missing persons.
When Police receive a report on a missing person, investigations will be conducted to locate the person. Police will interview the person who lodged the report to establish background facts pertaining to the missing person, such as the state of his/her mental health and the circumstances under which he/she was last seen. Police will also disseminate lookout messages for the missing person to all Police resources, especially those within the particular area where the missing person is reasonably believed to be.
Police will accord priority to vulnerable missing persons as they may be at higher risk. These include young children, elderly persons, and persons with intellectual disabilities, such as dementia.
In addition, Police have established procedures with other Government agencies to get their help to locate missing persons. For example, Police will make enquiries with other Government agencies, such as education institutions, hospitals and MSF. Police may also issue appeals for information to seek the public's assistance.
We welcome further suggestions to locate missing persons more effectively.