KUALA LUMPUR - The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM), through the Social Welfare Department (JKM), has handled a total of 2,959 cases of child abuse, involving physical, sexual and emotional abuse, between January and May this year.
KPWKM, in a statement today, said that of the total, 647 cases were reported in Selangor, followed by Sabah (333 cases) and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur (326 cases).
It said the ministry has also established 140 Child Protection Teams (PPKK), 133 Child Welfare Teams (PKKK) and 142 Children Activity Centres (PAKK) as the ministry’s ‘eyes and ears’ as well as creating an advocacy programme for local communities.
"Strategic cooperation with the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) was also held as a synergy between the ministries in continuing the advocacy programme for the community to be more aware of this issue,” said KPWKM.
According to KPWKM, it has also set up a Hotline (Talian Kasih) as a ‘single point of contact’ for the community in an effort to create a safe environment for children.
"Any form of child neglect and abuse can be reported on Talian Kasih 15999 or Whatsapp 019 2615999 or any nearby district Social Welfare Office or the nearby police station,” said the statement.
Regarding the advocacy programme "Kasih Kanak-Kanak’, opened by Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri today, it said it was an initiative to look after the welfare, safety and well-being of children in the country.
"The programme is a platform for the local community, especially teachers, the Parent-Teacher Association and the local community to play a role in helping KPWKM prevent the increase in cases of child abuse and neglect,” said the ministry. - BERNAMA