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A 17-YEAR-OLD British student who disappeared from the United Kingdom earlier this year has been found safe in Malaysia, after what his mother believes was a sudden decision driven by mounting A-Level exam stress.
David Balisong was located by police on Thursday at a hotel near Jalan Pudu in central Kuala Lumpur. He had been missing since 7 June, with his disappearance triggering an international search and growing concern for his wellbeing.
His mother, Minerva Balisong, 51, said the family was stunned by his sudden absence, noting that David had shown no overt signs of distress in the days leading up to his disappearance, though he had become more withdrawn.
“He’s a very good son. So when this happened, it really came as a huge shock,” she said in an emotional interview with Malaysia’s Buletin TV3. “I believe he was under some pressure with the exams, which is something every student faces during exam season, though everyone handles it differently.”
“I think coming to Malaysia to clear his mind was a path he chose,” she added.
Minerva said her son had no personal ties to Malaysia and that the family had been unable to reach him since his phone was switched off on the day he went missing.
“Since he was reported missing, his phone has been switched off. We’ve sent several messages and emails to him,” she said. “But giving up is not an option because I believe only a parent would go to the ends of the earth to find their child.”
She expressed deep gratitude to the Malaysian authorities and members of the public who assisted in the effort to locate her son.
“Thank you to all Malaysians, including the authorities, for your help in this search,” she said. “I especially want to thank the person who reported finding him. You did the right and courageous thing.”
David is understood to be in good health. Authorities are now making arrangements for his safe return to the United Kingdom. - Sept 6, 2025