Latest news with #KASIHKanak-Kanak
Barnama
19-05-2025
- Barnama
Child Protection Advocacy Programme To Be Held At Rural And Urban Schools
LUNDU (Sarawak), May 19 (Bernama) -- The locations for the implementation of the Child Protection Advocacy Programme: KASIH Kanak-Kanak in educational institutions nationwide this year will comprehensively include both rural and urban schools, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. She said the programme not only aims to raise awareness among students but also the surrounding community on issues of child abuse and neglect. 'It also targets adults, to help them understand the different forms of abuse, which are not limited to physical harm. In addition, children will learn to recognise elements of domestic abuse in the home and be encouraged to report such incidents through the available channels.
The Sun
19-05-2025
- The Sun
Child Protection Advocacy Programme to be held at rural and urban schools
LUNDU: The locations for the implementation of the Child Protection Advocacy Programme: KASIH Kanak-Kanak in educational institutions nationwide this year will comprehensively include both rural and urban schools, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. She said the programme not only aims to raise awareness among students but also the surrounding community on issues of child abuse and neglect. 'It also targets adults, to help them understand the different forms of abuse, which are not limited to physical harm. In addition, children will learn to recognise elements of domestic abuse in the home and be encouraged to report such incidents through the available channels. 'School students will also be informed of their rights as individuals – for example, their right not to be harmed,' she told reporters after the launch of the Sarawak-level 2025 KASIH Kanak-Kanak Child Protection Advocacy Programme here today. Earlier, it was reported that the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, through the Social Welfare Department, would continue the advocacy programme in 300 schools and 30 Children's Activity Centres across the country this year. Nancy urged the public to memorise the Talian Kasih helpline, which is available 24 hours a day through two platforms – the toll-free line 15999 and WhatsApp at 019-2615999 – for reporting abuse cases promptly. 'It is a collective responsibility. If a case of abuse involves someone close to us, we must immediately contact Talian Kasih so that counsellors can take further action,' she said.
Daily Express
15-05-2025
- Daily Express
Child neglect cases tripled over last 5 years, says welfare department
Published on: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 15, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: Social welfare department director-general Che Murad Sayang Ramjan said the rise in cases is concerning and likely underreported due to factors such as social stigma, fear of repercussions, and a lack of awareness. (Bernama pic) 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. Advertisement '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. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
