A public inquiry into the disappearance of Joshua Hilmy and Ruth Hilmy (née Sitepu) will begin on Feb 18.

This was announced by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) through a statement today, saying that the inquiry is to assist the authorities with their ongoing investigation into the disappearance of the couple.

"In accordance with its statutory mandate and powers, Suhakam will conduct a public inquiry into the cases of missing persons/the disappearance of pastor Joshua Hilmy and Ruth Hilmy to assist the authorities with their ongoing investigation.

"The Panel of Inquiry will be chaired by Commissioner Hishamuddin Yunus and assisted by Commissioners Jerald Joseph and Madeline Berma.

"The hearings will commence from Feb 18 at Suhakam," the statement reads.

Suhakam called for individuals with relevant information pertaining to the cases to have their statements recorded from today to Feb 14.

"Through this inquiry, Suhakam intends to fully investigate to its best ability what has transpired in order to identify and make the best possible recommendations to the appropriate parties."

Little is known about the disappearance of the Hilmy couple except that they were last seen on Nov 30, 2016, and reported missing on March 6, 2017.

Neither is much known about police investigations into the duo's disappearance.

According to Ruth’s family, which hails from Indonesia, she had come to Malaysia in 2000 to work as a seamstress when she met Joshua. The couple married in 2004.

Ruth is a Christian while Joshua is a Christian convert from Islam.

Her family has since publicly appealed to Indonesian President Joko Widodo to pressure Malaysian authorities to find her.