KUCHING — Two five-year-old girls from Kampung Pasir Pandak, Santubong, who went missing overnight, claimed they were taken on a “sightseeing” trip by an unknown woman before they were found safe earlier this morning.
The children were reported missing around 11am yesterday after they failed to return home from playing with their cousins. They were last seen at about 9am near their grandmother’s house, which is located only 50 metres from their family homes.
After an anxious night for the community, the girls were discovered at 9.30am today — about three kilometres away — sitting on a rock in the cold. Their families and villagers had been searching tirelessly throughout the night but found no trace until this morning’s breakthrough.
One of the fathers told reporters that the rescue team had asked the girls how they ended up so far from home.
“The children said a ‘sister’ took them there. They didn’t know who she was, and they couldn’t describe her clearly,” he explained. The father said the family was still shocked by the claim as nobody in the area matched the description the girls attempted to give.
Both children were immediately taken to Sarawak General Hospital for medical examination. Preliminary checks showed they were safe, though visibly tired from the cold and long night outdoors.
Representing the Kuching District Police Chief, Deputy Superintendent Zamry Ali confirmed the girls were found sitting together on a rock when the search team reached the area.
“We are grateful both children were found unharmed. The search team worked non-stop since last night, and their efforts paid off,” he said.
He also reminded parents and guardians to stay alert at all times and avoid letting children play near drains or water-filled areas, even if they appear shallow. “Do not wait until an accident happens. Water flow can be unpredictable and dangerous,” he stressed.
DSP Zamry said the second phase of the search operation, which started again at 8am today, was called off as soon as the girls were safely located.
Earlier, a spokesperson from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department said the department received the alert from police at 8pm yesterday. A nine-member team from the Petra Jaya Fire and Rescue Station was deployed immediately.
The search-and-rescue (SAR) operation involved multiple agencies, including the police, Civil Defence Force (APM), People’s Volunteer Corps (RELA) and local villagers who combed the coastal village throughout the night. Despite the challenging conditions, their combined effort ensured the children were found swiftly and safely.
Authorities are now looking into the girls’ claims about the unknown woman. While no foul play has been confirmed, investigations will continue to ensure the safety of children in the area.
For now, the community of Kampung Pasir Pandak is simply relieved — the two little girls are back home, safe in their families’ arms.
