Welfare dept handled over 5,500 cases of child abuse, neglect

 

Nancy Shukri said child abuse and neglect cases were reported nationwide.

PUTRAJAYA: The welfare department has handled 5,572 cases of child abuse and neglect nationwide from January to November last year.

Women, family and community development minister Nancy Shukri said the cases involved physical, sexual and emotional abuse, as well as cases of neglect.

“All the cases were handled by welfare officers who were tasked to protect the kids under the Child Act 2001.

“We are always monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of children and we are also working together with the police and the relevant ministries,” she told reporters after launching the child services (maintenance and protection) 2023 town hall session.

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Commenting on the independent children’s commission, she said that this was a good move and it would provide checks and balances.

There will be no overlap in the duties, she said.

“While my ministry is responsible for giving recommendations to the commission, they do not fall under our purview.

“The commission is independent in monitoring issues relating to children and will help my ministry as well as the home ministry and the education ministry deal with children,” she said.

Nancy also said that after Chinese New Year, her ministry will hold meetings with the relevant ministries to discuss the implementation of sex education for children.

Discussions will also be held with the education ministry, the health ministry, national unity ministry, the youth and sports ministry, the local government development ministry and the religious affairs minister, she added. - FMT