Explainer: Missing for days, found safe — What happened to Nurul Ain Hannani

SHAH ALAM – A university student who went missing earlier this week was found safe in Johor Bahru on Wednesday.

Nurul Ain Hannani, 23, was located in Permas Jaya and appeared frightened and pale, but unharmed, according to her family.

The case had previously gone viral on social media after her cousin appealed for public help to trace her whereabouts.

Left residence, cut off contact

Ain was last seen leaving her rented residence at The Sky Residensi, Taman Shamelin. She reportedly exited her family WhatsApp groups, deleted her Instagram account and disabled location sharing.

Her cousin, @qistinafarihin, said the family initially remained in contact with her before communication abruptly stopped.

“On Monday, Jan 5, my cousin’s family sent her to the university as physical classes had resumed. As usual, we were still able to contact her that day.

“On Jan 7, her family went to her rented house but she was not there. Her clothes and belongings were left behind, but she had taken her bag, laptop and wallet,” she said.

A classmate later informed the family that Ain had been facing issues with university registration and had been absent from classes.

Last seen at TBS

CCTV footage that later went viral showed a woman believed to be Ain at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), Kuala Lumpur.

She was also reported to have told an e-hailing driver that she was travelling to Johor, although initial checks found no record of a ticket purchase.

Police subsequently issued alerts to officers on the ground and via social media to assist in tracing her.

Cheras District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Aidil Bolhassan confirmed that an investigation had been launched.

“The case involves a 23-year-old woman who left her home from the lobby of Sky Residensi Shamelin, Kuala Lumpur.

“Police took immediate action by alerting personnel in the field and making announcements across social media platforms,” he said.

Family urges no speculation

Her cousin stressed that Ain did not have family issues and urged the public to refrain from speculation.

“She has no family problems and has never had a boyfriend. She is an introvert, has few friends and does not talk much. Please do not make unreasonable assumptions,” she said.

Found safe in Johor Bahru

After several days of searching, Ain was found safely in Permas Jaya, Johor Bahru. Her cousin confirmed the development in a post on Threads.

“My cousin has been found safely in Permas Jaya, JB. Alhamdulillah. Thank you to the police and everyone who helped and prayed.

“She looked scared and pale. She kept crying and said she wanted to go home when officers asked if she wanted to return,” she said.

Authorities are continuing investigations to determine what occurred during the period she was reported missing.