PETALING JAYA: Child neglect cases in Malaysia almost tripled to an alarming level over the past five years, according to the social welfare department.
Its director-general Che Murad Sayang Ramjan said the rise in cases was concerning and likely underreported due to factors such as social stigma, fear of repercussions, and a lack of awareness, Utusan Malaysia reported.
“Many families face economic pressures, and sometimes children bear the brunt of this stress. In some cases, parents struggling with addiction take it out on their children,” he was quoted as saying.
The department recorded 1,618 child neglect cases in 2020, a number which jumped to 4,126 cases last year.
Section 17(1)(d) of the Child Act 2001 defines child neglect as the failure to provide children with basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, affection, and education, which may expose them to harm, including life-threatening situations.
The department documented a total of 31,247 child protection and care cases between 2020 and last year, with neglect forming a significant portion. More than 64% of the victims were girls.
Sexual abuse cases were also high during the same period, with a total of 9,365 incidents reported. The highest number was recorded in 2023, with 2,523 cases.
Citing data from the police, Che Murad said more than 95% of abuse and sexual abuse cases involved perpetrators closely related to the victims, such as biological or step-parents.
He also said the unregulated use of social media and easy access to pornographic content were exposing children to risks, including grooming by paedophiles.
“There are cases where AI technology was used to manipulate children’s images in inappropriate ways. As technology advances, these threats become harder to combat,” he said.
The department launched the KASIH Kanak-Kanak advocacy programme last year in collaboration with the education ministry to counter child sexual abuse.
Since its rollout, it has reached 337 schools and benefitted over 128,000 children and 189,000 participants. This year, the programme will expand to 300 more schools and 30 selected children’s activity centres.
Che Murad advised the public to use the 24-hour hotline (Talian Kasih 15999) to report cases of abuse or neglect.
“Many of these children are abused by those closest to them and don’t know where to turn. If they confide in a teacher or a friend, this hotline can help them get the support they need,” he said, adding that all reports will be investigated by the police.
