Breaking update: Three suspects detained in Johor Bahru missing girl case

In a significant development in the case of missing six-year-old Albertine Leo Jia Hui, Johor police have detained three individuals to assist with the investigation. The child, who disappeared from a shopping mall in Iskandar Puteri on Saturday, July 20, 2024, during a Bon Odori event, has captivated public attention and sparked a massive search operation.

Johor police chief CP M. Kumar confirmed that two men and a woman, aged between 28 and 55, were arrested around 1:30 pm in the Iskandar Puteri area on Monday, July 22. These arrests mark a crucial step in the ongoing investigation, which has now been reclassified under Section 365 of the Penal Code for kidnapping or abducting with intent to secretly and wrongfully confine a person.

The Search for Albertine

Albertine Leo Jia Hui, described as 120 centimeters tall with long black hair and fair skin, was last seen wearing shorts and a white t-shirt with a Mickey Mouse picture. Her father noticed her missing at the shopping mall at approximately 8:30 pm on Saturday. The disappearance quickly gained public attention, with authorities and the community mobilizing to find the young girl.

Police Appeal for Public Assistance

In light of the ongoing investigation, CP M. Kumar has urged the public to refrain from speculation that could hinder the search efforts. He stated, "The investigation is being conducted under Section 365 of the Penal Code for kidnapping or abducting with intent to secretly and wrongfully confine a person". The police chief emphasized the importance of public cooperation, encouraging anyone with relevant information to contact the Johor Police hotline at 019-2792095 or the Operations Room at 07-2212999.

The Breakthrough: Albertine Found Safe

In a dramatic turn of events, Albertine was found safe at a hotel in Batang Kali, Selangor, on Tuesday, July 23. Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed the rescue, which occurred around 4:30 am. A 31-year-old man was arrested at the scene, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to five.

Investigation Expands

Johor police chief Comm M. Kumar provided further details about the rescue operation and subsequent arrests. He stated, "Initially, we arrested four suspects, including two women, around Iskandar Puteri and Johor Baru. Their arrest then led us to the fifth suspect and the victim". The investigation has now expanded to include potential violations under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, as Albertine was found alone with the suspect.

Family's Ordeal and Public Response

Throughout the ordeal, Albertine's family faced not only the anguish of their missing child but also the challenge of dealing with misinformation. Her mother, Leo Qieo Xin, appealed to the public, saying, "Too much information and so-called sightings are being posted on social media. This will affect the police search for my daughter. So please stop spreading false information".

Child Safety in Malaysia

This incident has reignited discussions about child safety in Malaysia. According to recent reports, an average of two children went missing every day in the country between 2021 and 2023. While most cases are resolved with children being located or returning home, the statistics highlight the ongoing need for vigilance and improved safety measures.