SARAWAK has seen at least 572 cases of child abuse and neglect reported to the state authorities over the past six months.
Federal Minister for Women, Community Wellbeing and Family Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri today revealed these latest figures and expressed concern over them.
"There were 572 cases of child abuse and neglect detected by the authorities in Sarawak from January to June this year.
"These are only the reported cases, and they were from throughout the state.
"This is a high figure … We are talking about innocent children here.
"Society needs to look at this with serious concern," she said.
Speaking at a welfare programme at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak in southern Sarawak, she said the latest statistics are compilations released by the Sarawak Social Welfare Department.
Nancy said the ministry is collaborating with more community organisations to create awareness towards curbing such cases, aside from enhancing enforcement.
"Children need a safe home and environment to live and grow in," she said.
She called for greater efforts from all community sectors for more communal programmes aimed at the protection of children. – June 22, 2025
