No more whipping for child offenders

An end to whipping for child offenders is among several amendments to the Child Act that was tabled for the first reading today.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Rohani Abdul Karim has instead introduced community service as a substitute punishment for children who have run-ins with the law.

Community service will also be imposed as additional punishment to adults who are found guilty of abusing children.

"This is to rehabilitate them," Rohani said at a press conference in the Parliament lobby today.

Besides community service, adults found guilty of abusing, neglecting, and mistreating children can also be slapped with heavier finds and lengthier jail terms.

Fines for child abusers have been raised to a maximum of RM50,000, and they can also be jailed for up to 20 years now.

[More to follow]

-Mkini