KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 — Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri yesterday reportedly said that 1,301 children were physically abused nationwide last year.

From that number, 679 cases involved boys while 622 were girls, The Star reported her as saying in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

However, according to the report, she did not provide further details on the matter.

In response to a question raised by Temerloh MP Salamiah Mohd Nor, she also reportedly said that over the past two years, more than 300 child abuse cases had occurred in kindergartens and daycare centres.

“There was a total of 336 abuse cases between 2021 and 2022.

“The cases happened at both registered and non-registered kindergartens and daycare centres,” she was quoted as saying.

Salamiah had asked about the number of child abuse cases that occurred in kindergartens and daycare centres as well as the measures that were being taken to address the matter.

In response to another question by Sri Aman MP Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodi, Nancy reportedly said that several measures have been implemented to ensure children were safe at kindergartens and daycare centres.

Those looking after the children will have to undergo 28 days of training and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras will be installed in the premises to monitor activities, she said.

“Parents must also play their role and carry out physical checks on their children to see if there are any signs of abuse.

“They should not hesitate to call the Talian Kasih 15999 hotline and report if there are signs of abuse,” she was quoted as saying. - malaymail