Galway man missing in Malaysia for two months found safe and well

Missing Irishman Stephen Warde has been located in Malaysia two months after he disappeared.

The 31-year-old, from Kinvara in Galway, was found safe and well, local councillor Joe Byrne told The Irish Mirror. Mr Warde had not been seen since December 29. His family last heard from him on 1 January. Local police could not trace him and opened an investigation. A social media campaign was also launched here in Ireland to help find him. His mother and sisters are thought to have travelled to Malaysia to help in the search for him.

"Not having any contact from Stephen is very out of character for him as he is a placid and quiet man," Mary Morrissey said. "We are extremely worried and concerned for his safety and wellbeing."

Mr Warde had arrived in Kuala Lumpur, the country's capital, on 15 November and rented a residence in the city's Jalan Sultan Ismail area. He was due to leave the accommodation a day after he was last seen. Police searched the unit and found that his belongings were still there. His passport had not been used since then, which lead them to believe that he is still in the country. A GoFundMe page for the search raised nearly €20,000. Mr Warde's family today thanked all those who had gotten involved in the search and asked for privacy.