SEBUYAU: Cases of child abuse are reported to occur almost twice every day in Malaysia, said Datuk Nancy Shukri.
The federal Minister of Women, Family and Community Development said the trend was a cause for concern and needed to be addressed immediately.
“The trend of child abuse is indeed worrying, we see almost every day two or three cases are reported.
“Maybe there is a lot more that happened but was not reported and this is a very sad thing,” she said.
She disclosed the matter during a press conference after officiating at the launch of the Rising Women’s Entrepreneurship Programme, yesterday.
According to her, the results of studies found that the main cause of child abuse cases is due to economic crisis and the presence of a stepmother or stepfather in a family.
“The main reason is the economy. When the economy is uncertain, some are depressed and some take drugs until drugs are detected in babies.
“There are also stepfathers, for example, who take the opportunity to abuse children because the child is not his own flesh and blood. This is what worries us,” said Nancy.
Therefore, she called on the public to help by reporting the incident to the relevant parties.
“We are very grateful to those who reported and I appeal to those who abuse to stop,” she said.
In addition, she said the ministry is ready to help any individual who has a related problem by presenting themselves at the office to jointly try to help solve the problem.
“Personally, there are people who come to our office and ask how to get help.
“We help solve by sharing problems and finally give them help especially in counselling guidance because our counsellors are trained professionals,” she added.
