THE alarming number of child abuse and neglect cases reported in Sarawak in the first half of the year may only represent a fraction of the true scale of the problem, said social activist Voon Shiak Ni.
Responding to recent government figures, Voon said the 572 cases reported between January and June likely reflect just the visible surface of a much deeper issue.
"There exists the possibility of many more children suffering abuses and neglect of some forms or another and not getting any help," she said in a press statement.
"This is especially so in isolated areas and in the rural regions. Sarawak is very big and it is difficult for victims to get help, especially if they are in homes that are far away."
Voon urged the welfare authorities to deploy mobile units to reach out to victims in remote settlements, noting that many may be unaware of how or where to seek help.
"Many victims out there could be helpless and powerless as they do not know where to seek help," she said.
Federal Minister for Women, Community Wellbeing and Family Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, revealed the figures during a welfare outreach programme at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak on 22 June.
"There were 572 cases of child abuse and child neglect detected by the authorities in Sarawak from January to June this year," Nancy said.
"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 the figures were compiled by the Sarawak Social Welfare Department and warned that addressing the problem requires urgent and widespread community action.
Nancy added that her ministry is working with more grassroots organisations to raise awareness and strengthen enforcement efforts.
"Children need a safe home and safe environment to live and grow up in," she said, calling for more community-based programmes focused on child protection. - June 24, 2025
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