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New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Child abuse: Poverty, mental health to blame, says expert
GEORGE TOWN: The disturbing revelation of over 4,000 child abuse cases in Penang since 2010 highlights a critical societal issue that warrants urgent attention, according to a criminologist. Universiti Sains Malaysia's Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy said that identifying the root causes behind this rise was essential for the development of effective prevention and intervention strategies. He said that economic hardship played a significant role in contributing to child abuse. "Families facing poverty and unemployment often endure elevated stress levels, which can result in neglect or abuse. The Family Stress Model explains how economic disadvantage can lead to psychological distress in caregivers, which in turn affects parenting behaviours and increases the risk of child maltreatment," he told the New Straits Times. Dr Sundramoorthy said that parental mental health issues — such as depression, anxiety and personality disorders — were closely associated with instances of abuse. "Parents struggling with these issues may find it difficult to regulate their emotions, potentially leading to harmful behaviour towards their children. "A lack of parenting knowledge and skills may also result in inappropriate disciplinary actions and neglect. Without proper guidance, some parents may unintentionally harm their children, which underscores the importance of accessible parenting education programmes. "Family instability, including divorce and domestic violence, creates environments in which children are more vulnerable to abuse. The absence of a parent or continuous conflict within the household can lead to both emotional and physical harm." He added that parental substance abuse — including alcohol and drugs — impaired judgement and increases the likelihood of abusive behaviour. Dr Sundramoorthy said that external stressors, such as overcrowded living conditions and a lack of social support, exacerbated the risks of child maltreatment. "In short, the complex nature of child abuse calls for a holistic approach that tackles economic, psychological, and social contributors. Providing support such as mental health services, parenting education, and financial aid can significantly reduce these risks. "Community involvement and the robust enforcement of child protection laws are equally vital in ensuring the safety and well-being of children," he said. State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said that the Penang Social Welfare Department had recorded a total of 4,080 child abuse cases since 2010, including 201 reported between January and April this year. Of these, 113 cases involved girls and 88 boys. The reports encompass physical, sexual, and emotional abuse across all five districts in the state. The data reflects a long-standing trend in which girls are disproportionately affected by sexual abuse.
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Over 4,000 child abuse cases in Penang since 2010
GEORGE TOWN: A total of 4,080 child abuse cases have been recorded by the Penang Social Welfare Department since 2010, with 201 cases reported this year up to April. State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said these included physical, sexual and emotional abuse cases which occurred in the five districts in the state. "Of the cases recorded this year, 113 cases involved girls while 88 involved boys and this breakdown shows a long-standing pattern where girls are more likely to be sexual abuse victims. "However, physical and emotional abuse happens at almost identical rates between both genders. Last year, abuse cases rose significantly by 41.9 per cent to 519 cases compared to 2023," she said when contacted by Bernama today. She said that while the numbers are concerning, it also reflects a growing public awareness to report such cases as a result of the various advocacy and educational initiatives taken by the state government over the past few years. Lim also praised the quick action taken by schools to report these cases, citing the recent case involving a 12-year-old girl who is suspected of being abused by her parents. "I view the quick response by the school in reporting the recent abuse case as an important achievement. It proves that the message of child protection has reached the grassroots level, which is the result of the state government's efforts through various awareness programmes," she said. On May 22, police arrested a couple to assist in investigations into the alleged abuse of their 12-year-old daughter, who sustained bruises and cuts on her back — believed to be the result of caning at a house in Sungai Ara near here. Meanwhile, Lim said that in tackling such cases, the state government appreciates the support from its strategic partners, such as the Children's Protection Society (CPS), The Salvation Army, St Nicholas, Women's Centre for Change and Women's Service Centre (PPW), who are always ready to provide temporary shelter for the victims, in addition to working closely with the Social Welfare Department. She added that the state government, together with the relevant agencies, is continuously strengthening collaboration to address the issue of abuse through various initiatives, such as the Child Protection Advocacy Programme, in 30 schools that are aimed at educating children about their rights, identifying abuse situations, and providing information on help channels such as the Talian Kasih 15999 hotline. She said the state government also implemented the TASKA Registration Advocacy Programme to ensure childcare centres operate legally, safely and in compliance with standards, while advocacy programmes are also being actively planned at eight Child Activity Centres (PAKK) as an integrated move to address issues of child abuse and neglect. Lim said the welfare department provides various forms of assistance to help the victims and families, such as immediate protection orders, temporary placement as well as placement in safe institutions, such as Children's Home, Taman Sinar Harapan or Kompleks Penyayang Sinar Kasih, if necessary. She added that counselling services, psychosocial intervention and financial assistance, such as the Child Aid and Foster Child Assistance, as well as legal action, are also provided to ensure that the physical and emotional well-being of the children is safeguarded. She reiterated the important role played by society and urged the public to be more sensitive and to immediately report to the authorities if they suspect any incident of abuse or contact Talian Kasih. She also encouraged community involvement in the rehabilitation process through the Community-Based Rehabilitation (PBK) approach, as well as support networks like the Child Welfare Team, Child Protection Team and active welfare department volunteers on the ground.
The Sun
27-05-2025
- The Sun
4,080 child abuse cases recorded in Penang since 2010, advocacy programmes enhanced
GEORGE TOWN: A total of 4,080 child abuse cases have been recorded by the Penang Social Welfare Department (JKM) since 2010, with 201 cases reported this year up to April. State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said these included physical, sexual and emotional abuse cases which occurred in the five districts in the state. 'Of the cases recorded this year, 113 cases involved girls while 88 involved boys and this breakdown shows a long-standing pattern where girls are more likely to be sexual abuse victims. 'However, physical and emotional abuse happens at almost identical rates between both genders. Last year, abuse cases rose significantly by 41.9 per cent to 519 cases compared to 2023,' she said when contacted by Bernama today. She said that while the numbers are concerning, it also reflects a growing public awareness to report such cases as a result of the various advocacy and educational initiatives taken by the state government over the past few years. Lim also praised the quick action taken by schools to report these cases, citing the recent case involving a 12-year-old girl who is suspected of being abused by her parents. 'I view the quick response by the school in reporting the recent abuse case as an important achievement. It proves that the message of child protection has reached the grassroots level, which is the result of the state government's efforts through various awareness programmes,' she said. On Tuesday (May 20), media reported that the police arrested a couple to assist in the investigation of a 12-year-old girl who sustained bruises and cuts on her back, believed to have been caused by caning in an incident at a house in Sungai Ara near here. Meanwhile, Lim said that in tackling such cases, the state government appreciates the support from its strategic partners, such as the Children's Protection Society (CPS), The Salvation Army, St Nicholas, Women's Centre for Change and Women's Service Centre (PPW), who are always ready to provide temporary shelter for the victims, in addition to working closely with JKM. She added that the state government, together with the relevant agencies, is continuously strengthening collaboration to address the issue of abuse through various initiatives, such as the Child Protection Advocacy Programme, in 30 schools that are aimed at educating children about their rights, identifying abuse situations, and providing information on help channels such as the Talian Kasih 15999 hotline. In addition, she said the state government also implemented the TASKA Registration Advocacy Programme to ensure childcare centres operate legally, safely and in compliance with standards, while advocacy programmes are also being actively planned at eight Child Activity Centres (PAKK) as an integrated move to address issues of child abuse and neglect. Lim said JKM provides various forms of assistance to help the victims and families, such as immediate protection orders, temporary placement as well as placement in safe institutions, such as Children's Home, Taman Sinar Harapan or Kompleks Penyayang Sinar Kasih, if necessary. She added that counselling services, psychosocial intervention and financial assistance, such as Child Aid (BKK) and Foster Child Assistance (BAP), as well as legal action, are also provided to ensure that the physical and emotional well-being of the children is safeguarded. She reiterated the important role played by society and urged the public to be more sensitive and to immediately report to the authorities if they suspect any incident of abuse or contact Talian Kasih. She also encouraged community involvement in the rehabilitation process through the Community-Based Rehabilitation (PBK) approach, as well as support networks like the Child Welfare Team (PKKK), Child Protection Team (PPKK) and active JKM volunteers on the ground.
The Sun
27-05-2025
- The Sun
4,080 child abuse cases recorded in Penang since 2010
GEORGE TOWN: A total of 4,080 child abuse cases have been recorded by the Penang Social Welfare Department (JKM) since 2010, with 201 cases reported this year up to April. State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said these included physical, sexual and emotional abuse cases which occurred in the five districts in the state. 'Of the cases recorded this year, 113 cases involved girls while 88 involved boys and this breakdown shows a long-standing pattern where girls are more likely to be sexual abuse victims. 'However, physical and emotional abuse happens at almost identical rates between both genders. Last year, abuse cases rose significantly by 41.9 per cent to 519 cases compared to 2023,' she said when contacted by Bernama today. She said that while the numbers are concerning, it also reflects a growing public awareness to report such cases as a result of the various advocacy and educational initiatives taken by the state government over the past few years. Lim also praised the quick action taken by schools to report these cases, citing the recent case involving a 12-year-old girl who is suspected of being abused by her parents. 'I view the quick response by the school in reporting the recent abuse case as an important achievement. It proves that the message of child protection has reached the grassroots level, which is the result of the state government's efforts through various awareness programmes,' she said. On Tuesday (May 20), media reported that the police arrested a couple to assist in the investigation of a 12-year-old girl who sustained bruises and cuts on her back, believed to have been caused by caning in an incident at a house in Sungai Ara near here. Meanwhile, Lim said that in tackling such cases, the state government appreciates the support from its strategic partners, such as the Children's Protection Society (CPS), The Salvation Army, St Nicholas, Women's Centre for Change and Women's Service Centre (PPW), who are always ready to provide temporary shelter for the victims, in addition to working closely with JKM. She added that the state government, together with the relevant agencies, is continuously strengthening collaboration to address the issue of abuse through various initiatives, such as the Child Protection Advocacy Programme, in 30 schools that are aimed at educating children about their rights, identifying abuse situations, and providing information on help channels such as the Talian Kasih 15999 hotline. In addition, she said the state government also implemented the TASKA Registration Advocacy Programme to ensure childcare centres operate legally, safely and in compliance with standards, while advocacy programmes are also being actively planned at eight Child Activity Centres (PAKK) as an integrated move to address issues of child abuse and neglect. Lim said JKM provides various forms of assistance to help the victims and families, such as immediate protection orders, temporary placement as well as placement in safe institutions, such as Children's Home, Taman Sinar Harapan or Kompleks Penyayang Sinar Kasih, if necessary. She added that counselling services, psychosocial intervention and financial assistance, such as Child Aid (BKK) and Foster Child Assistance (BAP), as well as legal action, are also provided to ensure that the physical and emotional well-being of the children is safeguarded. She reiterated the important role played by society and urged the public to be more sensitive and to immediately report to the authorities if they suspect any incident of abuse or contact Talian Kasih. She also encouraged community involvement in the rehabilitation process through the Community-Based Rehabilitation (PBK) approach, as well as support networks like the Child Welfare Team (PKKK), Child Protection Team (PPKK) and active JKM volunteers on the ground.
New Straits Times
25-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Abused 12-year-old girl placed under grandmother's care
GEORGE TOWN: The 12-year-old girl who was allegedly abused by her parents here in Sungai Ara, Bayan Lepas, has been placed under the care of her grandmother. Authorities located the grandmother following media reports, and she has been appointed the girl's temporary guardian under the Eligible and Suitable Person (OYLS) category. State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said efforts were ongoing to trace other family members. "The girl's parents remain in remand, and her 15-year-old sibling is currently being cared for by their grandmother. The arrangement will be assessed by the Social Welfare Department," she said in a statement yesterday. "We are still trying to locate other relatives who can care for them." Last Thursday, it was reported that the girl was injured, allegedly after being abused by her parents. She was also believed to have been locked in a dog cage about two years ago. The father's four-day remand has been extended until May 29, while the mother's remand ends today. The girl, who is receiving treatment at Penang Hospital, is in stable condition. The case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for child abuse, neglect, abandonment or exposure likely to cause physical or emotional injury. It carries a fine of up to RM50,000, imprisonment of up to 20 years, or both upon conviction.
