IN response to a surge in cases involving sexual harassment, grooming, and online exploitation, the Children’s Protection Society Kuala Lumpur (CPSKL) has launched a national awareness initiative aimed at equipping teenagers with the tools to protect themselves.
Titled ‘Teen Integrity Programme: Briefing on Personal Safety & Boundaries’, the campaign seeks to build a coalition of educators, law enforcement, and civil society groups to provide early education on safety, consent, and legal awareness.
“We can no longer remain silent. Cases of incest, rape, boarding school bullying, and online predators are on the rise,” said CPSKL President Tengku Asra Jehan during the launch at Galeri Diraja Tuanku Ja’afar.
“This programme is a collective voice and action to break the cycle of abuse.”
She warned of how sexual predators use emotional manipulation and social media to deceive teens, often under the guise of romantic interest.
The pilot event gathered 90 students from 15 secondary schools across Seremban, alongside teachers, education officials, and youth activists.
Project Director Tengku Yasmin Nastasha provided a comprehensive overview of abuse in various forms — physical, emotional, sexual, and digital — while also introducing students to Malaysia’s legal frameworks such as the Child Act 2001 and the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
“Students must be taught to recognise unsafe behaviour and understand their rights so they do not remain silent victims,” she said.
Social worker Ummadevi Balkerishna from CPS Penang shared her experience working with abuse survivors, highlighting a success story of a former CPS ward who rebuilt her life and completed her studies.
“Support, education, and discipline can restore the future of teens who were once neglected,” she said.
Inspector Azizah Abu Bakar from the D11 Special Investigations Unit of the Negeri Sembilan Police reminded participants that boys are increasingly at risk too.
“Today, it is not just girls. Boys are also becoming victims. Every child deserves protection, regardless of gender,” she said.
Inspector Azizah also pointed out that stalking is now classified as a criminal offence in Malaysia and is often an early indicator of more serious abuse.
She urged victims to report incidents immediately, seek medical attention, and confide in trusted adults.
Founded in 1991, the Children’s Protection Society has supported more than 3,000 children affected by abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It continues to champion child rights through outreach campaigns such as #JanganSentuhSaya and is now planning to roll out the Teen Integrity Programme nationwide as part of a long-term advocacy strategy. - April 25, 2025
