KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 – The number of child neglect, maltreatment, abandonment, and exposure cases have increased from 2021 to 2023, according to statistics from the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM).
In 2023, 775 of such cases were reported, compared to 687 cases in 2022, and 644 cases in 2021.
Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, provided the numbers in a written Dewan Rakyat reply yesterday.
She said the increase can be attributed to an aggressive awareness campaign that targets more community participation every year.
“This has simultaneously increased the community’s awareness of criminal elements and their rights as provided by the law,” said the minister.
“Through this exposure, the community becomes more aware and sensitive about such crimes and this encourages them to come forward and make police reports.”
She was responding to a question from Jerlun MP Abdul Ghani Ahmad, who wanted to know how effective the Child Act 2001 (Amendment 2016) has been in deterring cases of child neglect, maltreatment, abandonment and exposure.
“The Child Act 2001 (Act 611) was amended to ensure children will continue to be prioritised in terms of protection, care and rehabilitation,” said Nancy.
“Among the amendments made were to increase the punishment for individuals who maltreat or expose children resulting in physical, emotional or sexual damage under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001.”
She added that day care centres and nurseries that provide care for children were established under the Care Centres Act 1993 and the Child Care Centre Act 1984.
“KPWKM through the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) carries out enforcement actions and advocacy programmes to ensure that day care centres and nurseries operate according to established guidelines so that the welfare, wellbeing and safety of those under their care are guaranteed.”
Meanwhile, in response to a separate question, the Dewan Rakyat was informed that investigation papers were opened for 17 cases of child grooming under Section 12 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 792) from July 2017 to 2023, according to PDRM.
Out of that total, 12 cases were resolved while the remaining five cases are still under investigation.
The written response by the Prime Minister was provided to a question by Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, who asked for the number of investigation papers opened on child grooming cases since the implementation of the Act (July 2017 to 2023).
She also asked for the number of cases brought to court in a table format.
Based on the statistics provided by the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court (PKPMP), 31 cases of child grooming were brought to court under Section 12 Act 792 from July 2017 to 2023, the Prime Minister responded.
Out of that number, 22 cases have been resolved and 9 cases are still under trial.
The breakdown of cases by state are as follows:
