KUCHING: A holistic approach is necessary to address abuse or violence against children comprehensively.
Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said in advocating and creating awareness on the issue, there must be inter-agency cooperation.
“In terms of intervention such as reporting by the victim of abuse or other person who witnesses or who has knowledge of the abuse case is important.
“This is to ensure the child can be protected from further abuse and the perpetrator be brought to justice.
“Rehabilitation, therapy or counselling procedure is also essential for the recovery of the victim of child abuse,” she told New Sarawak Tribune on Wednesday (Oct 25).
Previously Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said individuals who are aware of sexual abuse involving children but fail to lodge a police report can be fined up to RM5,000 under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 1972), if found guilty.
She said in efforts to curb sexual offences against children, enforcement measures need to be aggressive and firm, including charging those close to the victims like teachers, and neighbours who may be aware of such occurances, under Section 19 of the Act.
According to Section 19 of the Act, anyone who is aware of sexual abuse against children but fails to report the matter to the police can be charged in court and if convicted, fined up to RM5,000.
Azalina said she will be meeting police officers in the Sexual, Women and Child Investigations Division (D11) and court authorities involved in the enforcement of the Act and later meet the Children’s Commissioner to discuss ways to improve community awareness programmes.
Meanwhile, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry in a statement on September said the Social Welfare Department (JKM) handled a total of 2,959 cases of child abuse between January and May this year, involving physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
The highest number of cases were reported in Selangor with 647 cases, followed by Sabah (333) and Kuala Lumpur (326).
It said the ministry has established 140 child protection teams, 133 child welfare teams and 142 children activity centres, which act as its ‘eyes and ears’.
