Govt to adopt integrated approach to tackle rising child sexual crimes, says Ahmad Zahid
Citing official statistics, Ahmad Zahid said reported child sexual offences rose from 2,541 cases in 2020 to 3,892 cases in 2024, an increase of 53.2%.
He revealed that the number of victims also grew from 2,561 to 3,988, marking a 55.7% jump.
"This upward trend is deeply concerning. The evolution of technology and the industrial revolution have introduced more sophisticated criminal methods, including deepfake technology and digital identity theft.
"To tackle this issue comprehensively and effectively, the government will adopt an integrated approach involving the Home Ministry, the police, Youth and Sports Ministry, and the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry," he said in a statement after chairing the second National Social Council (MSN) meeting for 2025 on Tuesday (July 29).
He said among the initiatives planned is the Children's Protection Seminar: Addressing Cyber Threats and Sexual Crimes, which will be held in November.
Ahmad Zahid stressed that MSN remains a critical platform for coordinating cross-ministerial social policy implementation in line with the Madani government's commitment to building an inclusive, resilient, and prosperous society.
"To strengthen the impact of policy implementation, MSN membership has now been expanded to include strategic ministries such as the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories)," he said.
The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the National Social Policy (DSN) 2030 and progress on its Action Plan 2026–2030, which Ahmad Zahid said is now in its final phase and will be presented to the Cabinet in October.
"The DSN 2030 is the umbrella policy that harmonises 44 national social policies. Its action plan must be executed in a targeted and high-impact manner, with regular monitoring, impact measurement, and high accountability from all agencies," he said.
He said the council also examined several social challenges, including the plight of mentally ill homeless individuals who have slipped through the cracks of mental health intervention due to the lack of dedicated facilities.
"We support the Health Ministry's initiative to establish a taskforce to build psychiatric nursing care homes," Ahmad Zahid said.
Another key proposal discussed was the formation of a Special Committee on National Preschool Islamic Education, aimed at streamlining issues related to registration, safety, health, curriculum strategy, and teaching personnel - a step Ahmad Zahid described as crucial in strengthening early childhood education systems.
The meeting also addressed graduate skill mismatch, with Ahmad Zahid highlighting a Statistics Department's report that showed 2.06 million graduates currently working in jobs that do not match their qualifications.
"To resolve this strategically, the Human Resources Ministry and TalentCorp have launched the MyMahir initiative," he said.
So far, he said 66 industry-based training programmes have been approved under the Future Skills Talent Council, covering high-impact sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and the green economy.
"These programmes offer not only high-skill training but also job guarantees, with average starting salaries ranging from RM3,000 to RM6,000 per month," Ahmad Zahid said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
19 hours ago
- New Straits Times
DPM Zahid hails Smart's three decades of service
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has praised the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart) for its outstanding service over the past 30 years, noting its role in enhancing Malaysia's reputation on the global stage. He said Smart has contributed to the safety of people in Malaysia and overseas through its participation in search and rescue operations as well as humanitarian missions. "From post-earthquake rescue missions in Türkiye and Nepal, to humanitarian operations during the tsunami tragedy in Aceh, and involvement in major flood relief work in Selangor, Pahang and Kelantan — Smart has always stood at the nation's frontlines in the most critical moments," he said. Zahid, who is also the National Disaster Management Committee chairman, said this in a Facebook post in conjunction with Smart's 30th anniversary celebration today. He said Smart's achievements are even more commendable as it became the first team in Southeast Asia to attain the "Heavy" classification for urban search and rescue (USAR) operations from the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), thereby strengthening Malaysia's standing in the international rescue network. He said Smart has earned the trust of Russia to serve as a mentor to its search and rescue team, RUS-03, in preparation for INSARAG evaluation. "I am impressed by the team's dedication, discipline and continuous adaptation of advanced technology. "Smart is now more than just an elite team; it is an institution that is recognised and respected. "May the Smart team continue to progress, remain ever ready to face future challenges and uphold its steadfast presence at the frontlines of any disaster. "Thank you, and congratulations on three decades of excellence for the people and the nation," he said. — BERNAMA
The Sun
19 hours ago
- The Sun
Ahmad Zahid praises SMART's 30 years of disaster rescue excellence
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has lauded the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) for its three decades of exemplary service, highlighting its role in elevating Malaysia's global humanitarian standing. Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the National Disaster Management Committee, acknowledged SMART's contributions in domestic and international crises. 'From earthquake rescues in Türkiye and Nepal to tsunami relief in Aceh and flood operations in Selangor, Pahang, and Kelantan, SMART has been our frontline shield during disasters,' he said in a Facebook post marking the team's 30th anniversary. He emphasised SMART's milestone as Southeast Asia's first team to achieve the 'Heavy' classification for urban search and rescue (USAR) under the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG). 'This recognition cements Malaysia's credibility in global rescue networks,' he added. The Deputy PM also revealed SMART's advisory role for Russia's RUS-03 team ahead of INSARAG evaluation. 'Their discipline, tech adaptation, and elite reputation make SMART more than a team—it's a respected institution,' he noted. Concluding his tribute, Ahmad Zahid expressed hopes for SMART's continued readiness against future challenges: 'May you uphold your legacy as the nation's disaster frontline. Congratulations on 30 years of service to Malaysia and the world.' - Bernama
Malay Mail
19 hours ago
- Malay Mail
DPM Zahid hails SMART for 30 years of service at disaster frontlines
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 — Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has praised the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) for its outstanding service over the past 30 years, noting its role in enhancing Malaysia's reputation on the global stage. The deputy prime minister said SMART has contributed to the safety of people in Malaysia and overseas through its participation in search and rescue operations as well as humanitarian missions. 'From post-earthquake rescue missions in Türkiye and Nepal, to humanitarian operations during the tsunami tragedy in Aceh, and involvement in major flood relief work in Selangor, Pahang and Kelantan — SMART has always stood at the nation's frontlines in the most critical moments,' he said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the National Disaster Management Committee chairman, said this in a Facebook post in conjunction with SMART's 30th anniversary celebration today. He said SMART's achievements are even more commendable as it became the first team in Southeast Asia to attain the 'Heavy' classification for urban search and rescue (USAR) operations from the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), thereby strengthening Malaysia's standing in the international rescue network. He also noted that SMART has earned the trust of Russia to serve as a mentor to its search and rescue team, RUS-03, in preparation for INSARAG evaluation. 'I am impressed by the team's dedication, discipline and continuous adaptation of advanced technology. SMART is now more than just an elite team; it is an institution that is recognised and respected. 'May the SMART team continue to progress, remain ever ready to face future challenges and uphold its steadfast presence at the frontlines of any disaster. Thank you, and congratulations on three decades of excellence for the people and the nation,' he said. — Bernama
