KUALA LUMPUR - The public does not need to wait 24 hours to report a missing family member or acquaintance, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
He said that the claim of needing to wait 24 hours after someone goes missing was a myth often spread by various parties without any basis.
"There is no regulation or law that forces you to be patient, calm, or endure for a long period.
"Some say you need to wait 24 hours, 48 hours up to 72 hours in a state of anxiety and nervousness. This is merely a myth," he told Sinar on Thursday.
He said that if a search for the missing person has already been conducted and attempts to contact them have failed, one could immediately go to the police station.
He said this was an early step to prevent a bad incident from happening to the reported missing individual.
Additionally, he also advised the public to continue to play a role in providing information regarding missing person cases.
"The role of the community is greatly appreciated in assisting the police.
"We disseminate information through various mediums related to missing person cases so that the public can help us with the investigation," he said.
Recently, there was viral concern from netizens regarding the standard operating procedure (SOP) for making police reports related to missing persons.