A quote in Aesop’s fables reads, “United we stand, divided we fall.” Often we believe in the power of being a ‘lone wolf’ but truthfully, as a community, we can achieve much more.
For Janson Chong, this helped his family find closure. After his father went missing, Janson turned to the community for help and thankfully, they pulled through.
On 12th May, Janson posted on his Facebook asking for help. He reported that his father, Chong Yoke Thong, had been missing for several hours. “My father went out at 8am to deliver things for work,” he wrote. “Normally, he would be back by 5pm or latest by 7pm. However, he is missing now and we are unable to contact him by phone.” Janson said this was the first time his father has been uncontactable in a decade. They have contacted several hospitals but did not receive news of him. They also tried tracking his phone but were confounded by the device’s failsafe.
In an update the following day (13th May), Janson said they reported the case to the police the previous night. However, according to Janson, the police’s reply was less than satisfactory. “After being busy for most of the day, our ‘friends’ needed to go celebrate (Raya),” he said. “(They) told us to go home and wait two days before they will start helping with the search.” Janson’s family was understandably distressed and as he was out of options, Janson asked people to spread the news to get attention from media and politicians. He hoped to boost his post enough to get resources and help.
With everyone working hard to do what they could, Janson soon reported that his father had been found. Apparently, he was discovered in his lorry in Bukit Puchong. Sadly, by the time they found him, he had already passed away. Janson thanked the people for helping, but as they are now preparing for his father’s funeral, he is hoping the public can give them space.
Netizens have left condolences messages on his post and are wishing the family well. Although Janson’s father had already passed when they found him, his family at least found closure.
We’d like to offer our condolences as well and pray that the family will find peace.
