Back home: Rescue personnel praying for the safe return of the girl.
KOTA KINABALU: A girl who got an entire team of rescuers searching for her after she ran away from home following a quarrel over a pair of shoes in Kota Belud district has been found safe.
The 11-year-old, who was reported missing by her parents on Sunday, was found by villagers at Kampung Dudar around 9.30pm on Monday.
According to firemen, she went into hiding and did not want to return home after running away, only to emerge from her hideout when she got tired and hungry.
The girl fought with her 10-year-old sister over a pair of shoes.
It is believed that she decided to leave home after her parents scolded her.
It was reported yesterday that the girl had ran into the forest near her house, and had even returned briefly but ran back to hide after discovering that there were people at home.
Kota Belud fire station chief Muhammad Syazwan Latun said she was safely brought home after some villagers spotted her.
According to Muhammad Syazwan, this is not the first time the girl has run away after being scolded by her parents or after quarrels with her siblings.
However, this time is the longest that she had gone missing.
He said the parents decided to call for help after they failed to find her.
Over 30 people, including firemen, police, civil defence officials and villagers, were involved in the search operation.
