THE Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development has intensified its nationwide efforts to prevent baby abandonment through education, family support and early intervention after 18 cases were recorded between January and March this year.
Deputy Minister Lim Hui Ying said the cases comprised 10 in Selangor, two each in Sabah and Penang, and one each in Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Perak and Sarawak.
She said 72 baby abandonment cases were recorded throughout last year, adding that all infants handled by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) were safely protected.
Responding to a question from Dr Siti Mastura Muhammad (PN-Kepala Batas) during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on statistics relating to miscarriages and baby abandonment by state, as well as measures to address the issue, Lim said the ministry had adopted a comprehensive approach centred on prevention, protection and intervention.
"Aspects of prevention are implemented by JKM through advocacy programmes and public education on parental responsibility, the institution of the family, child protection, as well as awareness of the legal and social implications of baby abandonment."
She said the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), through its KafeTEEN programme, continued to strengthen teenagers' knowledge and awareness of risky sexual behaviour and reproductive health education.
"Through this programme, teenagers are exposed to abstinence practices using refusal techniques as a means of preventing out-of-wedlock pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, partner exploitation and emotional distress."
"More than one million teenagers have benefited from this programme between 2006 and 2025."
Lim said every abandoned or rescued infant receives immediate protection under the Child Act 2001 (Act 611).
"A Protector appointed under Act 611 will conduct investigations, prepare a social report and take appropriate action, including temporary placement in a Place of Safety, placement with a Fit and Proper Person, or obtaining a protection order from the Court for Children."
"For intervention, JKM also provides case management services, counselling, psychosocial support and family intervention to reduce the risk of child neglect and baby abandonment," Lim added.
"JKM continuously enhances the capacity of its Protectors and strengthens collaboration with local communities to ensure that cases at risk of neglect or baby abandonment are identified and addressed at an earlier stage."
Lim said the ministry was also reinforcing the role of the Child Protection Teams (PPKK), describing them as an important grassroots mechanism under the ministry, adding that the teams comprise community representatives and agencies involved in child welfare and serve as a vital communication bridge between JKM and local communities.
"We will also continue strengthening strategic cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Ministry of Education, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia, government agencies and civil society organisations." - July 6, 2026
