PENANG has recorded a total of 4,080 cases of child abuse since 2010, with 201 incidents reported in the first four months of this year alone, according to the State Social Welfare Department (JKM).
State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said the reported cases encompassed physical, sexual and emotional abuse across the state’s five districts.
“Of the cases recorded this year, 113 cases involved girls while 88 involved boys and this breakdown shows a long-standing pattern where girls are more likely to be sexual abuse victims,” she said when contacted by Bernama.
“However, physical and emotional abuse happens at almost identical rates between both genders. Last year, abuse cases rose significantly by 41.9 per cent to 519 cases compared to 2023,” Lim added.
Despite the rising numbers, Lim said the statistics also reflect increased awareness among the public to report such incidents, driven by sustained advocacy efforts and educational programmes initiated by the state in recent years.
She commended the swift action taken by local schools in identifying and reporting abuse cases, highlighting a recent incident involving a 12-year-old girl believed to have been physically abused by her parents in Sungai Ara.
“I view the quick response by the school in reporting the recent abuse case as an important achievement. It proves that the message of child protection has reached the grassroots level, which is the result of the state government's efforts through various awareness programmes,” she said.
On 20 May, police detained the girl’s parents after the child was found with bruises and cuts on her back, allegedly inflicted through repeated caning. The case is currently under investigation.
Lim further expressed appreciation for the ongoing support from strategic partners including the Children’s Protection Society (CPS), The Salvation Army, St Nicholas Home, Women’s Centre for Change and the Women’s Service Centre (PPW), who provide emergency shelter and collaborate with JKM on child welfare initiatives.
To address abuse prevention more comprehensively, the state has expanded its Child Protection Advocacy Programme to 30 schools, aiming to educate children about their rights, how to identify abuse, and where to seek help—such as through the Talian Kasih 15999 hotline.
Additionally, Lim said the state government has launched the TASKA Registration Advocacy Programme to ensure childcare centres are operating legally and meet safety standards. Advocacy activities are also ongoing in eight Child Activity Centres (PAKK), forming part of an integrated effort to tackle child abuse and neglect.
Lim noted that JKM offers a range of support services for victims and affected families, including immediate protection orders, temporary placement, and long-term shelter in institutions such as the Children’s Home, Taman Sinar Harapan and Kompleks Penyayang Sinar Kasih.
“Counselling services, psychosocial intervention and financial aid such as Child Aid (BKK) and Foster Child Assistance (BAP), as well as legal action, are also provided to ensure that the physical and emotional well-being of the children is safeguarded,” she said.
She reiterated the crucial role of community vigilance and encouraged the public to be more responsive in reporting suspected cases of abuse.
Lim also called for greater participation in rehabilitation efforts through the Community-Based Rehabilitation (PBK) model and support groups such as the Child Welfare Team (PKKK), Child Protection Team (PPKK), and active JKM volunteer networks. - May 27, 2025
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