Siti Aishah Siregar, a 20-year-old Singaporean girl who went missing in Cambodia, has been located by authorities and is safe.
Singapore, Singapore Aug 1, 2026 ALN: [LATEST UPDATE]
The 20-year-old Singaporean girl who went missing in Cambodia has been found, the police said late on Friday evening (July 31). The authorities confirmed that Siti Aishah Siregar was located by the Cambodian National Police and is safe. This announcement has brought a sense of relief not only to her family but also to the wider community that had rallied to support the search efforts.
The police issued a statement noting, "We have reached out to our Cambodian National Police counterpart to obtain more information and to render further assistance as appropriate." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Singapore Embassy in Phnom Penh are also providing consular support to the family, ensuring they have the necessary resources and assistance during this challenging time. The police expressed appreciation to the Cambodian authorities for their prompt assistance, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in such cases.
Earlier, her father had taken to Instagram to appeal for help after she purportedly went missing in Cambodia. His emotional plea resonated with many, as he shared the family's distress over Aishah's disappearance. According to the posts, Aishah was last known to have traveled to Phnom Penh from Singapore on July 28, and the family lost contact with her thereafter. "Our family is very worried, and every minute that passes feels so long," Sahat Siregar, a real estate agent, said in his caption. His heartfelt message underscored the anxiety and fear that families experience when a loved one goes missing.
Sahat also mentioned that the family had made a police report and was working closely with the authorities, thanking everyone who had tried to help him so far. He requested the authorities in Singapore and Cambodia to find his daughter as soon as possible, stating that the family is "afraid that every hour we lose could make it harder to bring her home safely." The urgency of his words reflected the deep concern that families face in the face of uncertainty and potential danger.
In his appeal, Sahat asked for the public to help by sharing the post, hoping it could reach someone who "may have seen something or know something that can help." His call to action illustrated the power of social media in mobilizing community support during crises. "If you have any information, no matter how small, please contact me or the Singapore Police immediately," he urged, emphasizing the importance of every piece of information in the search for his daughter.
Efforts to contact Sahat since Friday (July 31) morning had not been successful, indicating the distress and turmoil the family was experiencing as they awaited news about Aishah.
Speaking to CNA, Aishah's older brother Syafiq Siregar shared troubling details about her last known communications. He mentioned that her last message to their mother indicated she was going to school on Tuesday morning. However, when her family went to pick her up "as usual," they noticed that her WhatsApp and Telegram accounts had been deleted. This alarming development raised concerns about her safety and well-being.
Aishah's phone line was also dead when the family attempted to call her, prompting them to investigate further. The family later discovered that her passport was missing and lodged a police report, which highlighted the seriousness of the situation. Upon checking her emails, they found a flight itinerary for a trip to Cambodia in the afternoon, which further deepened their worries. They also discovered that she had transferred hundreds of dollars to an unknown figure over the past few days, raising suspicions about the nature of her disappearance.
While the family stated they had never met this person, Aishah's brother mentioned that the name matched an online friend she had been gaming with for the past year. "We heard her call out the name (before)," Syafiq was quoted by CNA as saying. "She played every day, so all of us heard that she has been playing games with this person." This revelation suggested that Aishah may have developed a relationship with someone online, which could have influenced her decision to travel to Cambodia.
The family feared that Aishah may have been lured by a scammer into Cambodia after seeing her transactions. This concern reflects a growing issue in today’s digital age, where online relationships can sometimes lead to dangerous situations. The risks associated with online interactions, especially for young individuals, have become increasingly evident, and this case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that lurk in the virtual world.
According to their helper, Aishah was last seen leaving the house in a light grey hoodie and pants, which left the family with a haunting image of her departure. The uncertainty surrounding her whereabouts and the circumstances of her disappearance took a toll on her family, particularly her mother, who had been described as "distraught" and finding it increasingly difficult to work as usual. This emotional strain is common among families dealing with missing persons cases, as the psychological impact can be profound and long-lasting.
"All of us here are just trying to do as much as we can to get as much information," Syafiq told CNA. This statement encapsulates the desperation and determination of families in similar situations, as they often find themselves in a race against time to locate their loved ones. The collaborative efforts of the family, authorities, and the community highlight the importance of vigilance and support in times of crisis.
As the situation unfolds, it serves as a critical reminder of the need for awareness regarding online safety, the potential risks of traveling abroad, and the importance of maintaining communication with loved ones. The successful recovery of Aishah is a cause for celebration, but it also raises questions about the vulnerabilities faced by young individuals in an increasingly interconnected world.
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